Public gatherings in New Zealand amid Government-approved repatriation flights to return stranded Samoans home continues to be a worry for Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Samoa’s Taito Taloto last Friday, Tuilaepa claimed that illegal church and public gatherings in New Zealand have continued unabated despite being banned.

“We were surprised to see that there were still public gatherings being conducted there [in New Zealand] while these are despised things which the Government hates the most,” he said.

“Such comprises of gatherings like going to church while these are the things that should be strictly banned in New Zealand because it’s affected by the virus.

“Meanwhile, we’re still trying to repatriate them back home. The repatriation has even been expanded to December, but the importance of having this interview is to remind our people in New Zealand who wish to come of these things.”

The Prime Minister said anyone who brought the virus into the country will be a disgrace to 

Samoa and a “disappointment” to the whole town.

“That person will also be attacked by newspapers and people for being careless,” he added.

The Government has released a schedule for specially chartered flights to return Samoan students stranded overseas due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

The four scheduled flights are spread over the next three months and will mostly cater for students studying in foreign countries who have completed their studies as well as students from Tokelau waiting to return home.

Another repatriation flight from New Zealand is scheduled for 30 October and a close to a month later, on 28 November a charter flight will depart Los Angeles in the U.S. to repatriate Samoan citizens currently resident in Europe or America  and lack the means to come home.

This flight from the U.S. will be followed by another one from New Zealand.

The Government has also approved a plan to return Samoans working in Tokelau on building contracts who now want to return home. It has also approved the repatriation of Tokelau students from New Zealand, who will come to Samoa before leaving for their island home. 

Another eight people will travel from Samoa to Nadi, Fiji on a chartered flight operated by Talofa Airways. The roundtrip flight from Fiji will also transport six American nationals to American Samoa and two from American Samoa. Two Samoan nationals will also be traveling to Samoa.

In order to meet the requirements of the Samoa Government when travelling into the country on any of the approved repatriation flights, the following orders should be strictly observed.

• All are required to complete the Health Declaration Card in flight.

• All are required to have a COVID19 test done with a negative result within three days or 72 hours before arrival

• All are required to undergo medical examination by a Registered Medical Practitioner within (3) days or 72 hours before ARRIVAL.

• You will not be permitted to board the plane;if you have a positive COVID-19 test or COVI-D19 test not done or medical clearance report/certificate not done or

• You have any of the following symptoms: cough, fever, sore throat and flu-like symptoms. 

• Hard copies of COVID19 test and a medical report should be presented at check in and on arrival to airline and health officers.

» Failure to do so at check in can result in no board or entry denied

« You will be quarantined for 14 days upon arrival into Samoa at a designated location.

« You must bring your own personal necessities e.g. soap, tooth brush, tooth paste etc., to last for 14 days of quarantine.

o Passengers are advised to check in 1 piece of luggage (required weight 23kg) before boarding.

» You are not allowed to bring any additional packages/parcels for delivery upon arrival into Samoa to family members etc.

» Ministry of Health will not be responsible or liable for any lost or misplaced items.

» If you have any known medical conditions, please ensure;

> you have enough supply of medication to last you 3 months

> Inform MOH of your underlying conditions.

» You are responsible for the cost of any medications prescribed while in quarantine.

• You are not allowed to bring alcohol nor consume any alcohol on the quarantine sites. Passengers who are on special diets will be responsible for their own special dietary needs/meals.

» You are required to wear a face mask at all times during the flight and upon arrival.

• Elderly Travellers with any Chronic Medical Conditions, and those with Special Needs needing assistance must be accompanied by an adult relative in flight and during the 14-day quarantine period. 

• The cost of accommodation, breakfast and lunch during quarantine will be paid by the Government. Dinner will be the passenger's responsibility.

• Children and Infants o All Children and infants less than 18 years should be accompanied by a Parent or legal guardian.

• Parents are advised that all children's immunizations are up to date esp. measles vaccination due to the recent outbreak in Samoa.

• Parent/Legal guardian travelling with an infant/child must ensure sufficient supplies of basic needs e.g. diapers, wipes, formula etc. for the duration of the quarantine.

• Travelers Entering Samoa via Fiji must comply with all requirements as above and must have been residing in Fiji for 28 days or more before arrival into Samoa.

• Passengers travelling through Nadi Fiji from a COVID-19 free Pacific Island Country listed below, are also required to comply with all requirements as stated above. But they are required to provide proof of staying at their COVID-19 free country for the last 28 days or more prior to flying to Fiji (passport stamp).