The start of a 48-hour lockdown in Samoa from 6pm Saturday also coincides with the enforcement of new State of Emergency (S.O.E.) orders approved by the Cabinet.

The Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, approved Emergency Order 62 in consultation with the Cabinet under FK (22) Faapitoa 03 and pursuant to Article 106 of the Constitution.

The Emergency Order 61 issued on 14 January 2022 has been revoked upon the commencement of Emergency Order 62. 

Emergency Order 62 goes into effect from 6pm 22 January 2022 to 6pm 24 January 2022.

According to the new orders: all international travel to and from Samoa by plane or boat or ship are prohibited. 

However, cargo flights to Samoa are permitted to bring in cargo goods and any other passenger as pre-approved by the Cabinet. 

Airforce flights to Samoa are permitted as approved by Cabinet for the carriage of firearms and ammunition, or the transporting of any assistance for emergency; or any other purpose in exceptional circumstances. 

The orders also state that all boats, ships and yachts are prohibited access except for: trade and petroleum; any other category of ships, boats and yachts for offloading, refuelling and the restock of necessary supplies only or as approved by Cabinet for exceptional circumstances. 

"Any passenger, pilot and crew members traveling into Samoa by plane must complete the Medical Clearance Health Documentation Check in Form and specifically declare whether or not they have been infected with the COVID-19 virus, and must be quarantined on arrival in Samoa for 21 days or a period as determined by the Director General," read the orders.

Incoming passengers will have to follow terms and conditions such as being quarantined at the places and conditions to be determined by Cabinet and costs of accommodation, breakfast and lunch for Samoan citizen passengers only are to be borne by the Government but dinner will be their responsibility whilst in quarantine.

But those who will be quarantined at the passenger's homes will have to be approved by the Director General of Health upon prescribed conditions determined by him or her for approval for self-isolation quarantine.

"All frontline and support staff must isolate and quarantine if directed by the Director General in accordance with the terms and conditions as determined by the Director General of the Ministry of Health.

"All Public gatherings and events are prohibited."

Members of the public must be isolated and remain at their place of residence except for authorised personnel.

"For the purpose of this order, all persons must comply with the measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 put in place by the Ministry of Health and National Emergency Operation Centre."

Furthermore, all public transport and commuting by buses, taxis and private vehicles are prohibited. This also includes all domestic travel by planes, boats, and ferries are prohibited.

While all markets, small shops, supermarkets and all businesses are to close until further notice. 

As for the selling of goods by street vendors it is also prohibited with children under the age of 16 years selling goods in public is strictly prohibited. 

Hotels are prohibited from selling alcohol, this also includes any shop whether supermarket or small shop.

"All schools and tertiary education institutions are to close until further notice. 

"All persons are prohibited from accessing any health facility unless it is an emergency, or he or she is seeking urgent medical attention or assistance at any health facility."

"All government services are suspended except for essential and emergency services."

The Ministry of Health shall ensure to implement awareness programmes and measures for the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 while the Samoa Police Service shall enforce this Order.

 The emergency order offence notice revealed that a police officer may serve an Emergency Order Offence Notice on a person who has committed an offence to which this Emergency applies.

A notice under this Order shall be in the form approved by the Commissioner of Police. 

"A person who has been served with a Notice must pay the fine stated in the notice within 24 hours of the issuance of the notice."

For a person who commits an offence where they do not comply with any of the above orders except for order 1: an individual will be fined $200 for a first offence, and a fine of $500 for a continuous offence.

However, for an organization or corporation or similar such legal entity, a fine of $5,000 for a first offence, and a fine of $7,000 for a continuous offence. Or detainment by the Police not exceeding three months; or both detainment and fines. 

A person commits an offence, where the person does not comply with quarantine requirements issued by the Director General of the Ministry of Health will attract a penalty fine of $2,000.