The Ministry of Education and Culture has announced a temporary closure of schools in several districts across Samoa due to the ongoing dengue fever outbreak.

According to an official notice issued Thursday, all Early Childhood Education programs and Primary School classes for Years 1 to 7 will be suspended from Monday, July 21 to Friday, July 25 in the following districts: Vaimauga 1, Vaimauga 2, Faleata 1, Faleata 2, Sagaga, Aana 1, and Aana 2.

Classes for Year 8 and College-level students will proceed as normal starting Monday.

The directive follows advice from the Ministry of Health as part of wider efforts to prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, which has seen a resurgence in recent weeks.

“We kindly ask all principals, teachers, and especially parents to please take note of this important announcement,” said A’eau Christopher Hazelman, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education and Culture.

While teaching for the affected age groups will be paused, government teachers are required to return to duty next week. School inspectors will also monitor the situation closely to ensure compliance and student safety.

The Ministry has given discretion to leaders of mission and private schools to make independent decisions in the interest of student wellbeing.