Measles closes road in Apia

By Soli Wilson 19 November 2019, 8:00AM

The Matafele Beach Road in Apia Road has been sealed off and closed in response to the proclaimed emergency measures taken for the measles outbreak.

The Samoa Police Service had put out a notice on social media letting the public know of the closure of the road between A.N.Z. Bank Main Branch and Samoa Post Office towards the Samoa Housing Building closure starting from 5pm Monday until the 15th of December.

"Samoa Police Service wishes to advise that the Matafele Beach Road, which is the road between ANZ Bank Main Branch and Samoa Post Office towards the Samoa Housing Building will be closed to the public starting today at 5pm and in the next 27 days," the notice reads.

"This road is sealed off in relation to the Proclamation for the Measles Outbreak."

The National Emergency Operation Center, basd on that road reiterated the notice saying it is for the "protection, security and safety" of the National Emergency Operation Center (N.E.O.C.) facility and personnel.

The nine businesses altogether within this road vicinity were advised to adhere to the closure, including South Star Restaurant, Samoa Housing Corporation, Toga T Potoi, Samoa Post Office, Retail Bluesky Matafele, Western Union Matafele, ANZ Bank Main Branch (side entrance), Phill Sam House of Fashion, Latu Law Firm.

The road closure is the first of its kind related to the outbreak. 

The Government late last Friday night declared that Samoa was officially in a state of emergency in response to the measles epidemic, with now more than 700 suspected cases.

According to Acting Prime Minister, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers, the measles epidemic that has already claimed lives, is a threat to national security and therefore a state of emergency was warranted.

Last week, the National Disaster Advisory Committee convened an emergency meeting at the Government building where details of state of emergency were discussed.

The following is the notice from the National Emergency Operation Centre about the road:

NATIONAL EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER

________________________________________________

November 18, 2019 – NOTICES #2 

 NOTICE: ROAD CLOSURE

 The public is hereby advised that the road between ANZ Bank Main Branch opposite Post Office to the Samoa Housing Corporation is closed and has been sealed off until the Proclamation of Emergency is lifted in the next 27 days.

 The list of businesses below please adhere and kindly be informed of this closure.

 Businesses & Offices include:

  • South Star Restaurant
  • Samoa Housing Corporation
  • Toga T Potoi 
  • Samoa Post Office
  • Retail Bluesky Matafele
  • Western Union Matafele
  • ANZ Bank Main Branch (side entrance)
  • Phill Sam House of Fashion
  • Latu Law Firm

The closure is for the protection, security and safety of the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) facility and personnel.

 DISASTER ADVISORY COMMITTEE

 

 


By Soli Wilson 19 November 2019, 8:00AM
Samoa Observer

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