The economic downturn brought on by the COVID-19 global pandemic has led to the closure of another local supermarket in Apia.

A visit to the premises of the locally-owned Vaimea Mart by the Samoa Observer found the business premises closed.

A relative of the supermarket’s owners, who refused to be identified, confirmed that the business had to close due to the impact of the lockdown but refused to provide more details when pressed by this newspaper.

It is not the only business to be affected by the COVID-19 inspired lockdown as a supermarket at Matautu, Zhu Jian Chen which was previously a branch of the Princessa supermarket chain, also closed its doors a fortnight ago. 

The shop’s owner, who also has the same name, Zhu Jian Chen, confirmed the closure of his business when queried by the Samoa Observer. 

“This pandemic [is] killing our businesses,” he said.

A gift shop which operates out of the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F.) Plaza in town, Pacific Jewel, also closed its doors last month due to the impact of the economic downturn.

Last month the Government advised that it is extending the state of emergency [S.O.E.], which has been in place since March this year, to November 22.

The 27-day extension ensures that the restrictions that are currently in place – which authorities say will mitigate risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic – were rolled over into this month.