Pensioners are now able to use their pension card benefits months after state of emergency orders took them away and bingo games are now permitted on Fridays.

Due to state of emergency restrictions starting 14 April, as a precautionary measure, 60-year-olds and above were not allowed to use their pension cards pension benefits to save on ferry fares to and from Upolu and Savaii.

But now Samoans over 60 have had their pension benefits for travel fares returned to them after the Cabinet moved to amend the state of emergency orders.

"Pensioners 60 years old and above have also been given the green light to use their inter-island free fare benefit to travel between Upolu and Savaii," the amended emergency orders issued last week read.

"They are mandated to provide their Pensioners’ I.D.."

Previously, the group had been“strongly advised” to avoid travel and adhere to the most strict restrictions, and only travel if they need medical attention. 

The pension benefit entitles people over 60 to free travel on the ferry between Savaii and Upolu. It also entitles them to free doctor’s visits and medication. 

Another amended order will allow bingo games to resume on Fridays.

From last Wednesday, Bingo can now be held on Fridays and to end at 10pm.

Previously, bingo games were only permitted to happen on Saturdays and required to end at 5pm.