The Government’s management of its COVID-19 lockdowns, including dissemination of vital information has been criticised for creating confusion and uncertainty amongst the public.

The Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) Deputy Leader Lauofo Fonotoe Lauofo told a press conference on Tuesday that the extension of the lockdown from 6pm Monday was ineffective as a lot of people had already breached the state of emergency (S.O.E.) orders.

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa announced the extension of the lockdown by another 72 hours in a nationwide address on Monday, though her announcement was made around 6.10pm, which meant people exited their homes after the 6pm expiry of the lockdown that was declared last Saturday.

Lauofo was critical of the delay that the Prime Minister took to deliver her address and emphasised the need for the Administration to plan on a weekly basis.

“Information should be clear, the announcement to extend the lockdown was made after 6pm  and reopened at 8am in the morning,” Lauofo said on Tuesday morning. 

“It was concerning that the information was released beforehand and [Government to] plan ahead for the following week.

“But it appeared that the decision was made for only 2 days and had waited until the Cabinet could meet again until they decided on what should be done next…it is a reflection of instability.” 

Prime Minister Fiame announced the extension of the nationwide lockdown for another 72 hours and expires at 6pm Thursday and also made it compulsory for the public to carry vaccination cards and wear masks.  

However, Lauofo said in order for the public to support the Government at this critical time, the nation needs up to date information on the developments relating to the spread of the COVID-19.

He said press releases and official information from the Government should be released immediately once it is available so that the people do not panic. 

“The virus does not discriminate on which religious denomination you attend – any person can get infected and that is why the Government needs to make certain and clear decisions,” he said.

As of Tuesday afternoon there have been no updates from the N.E.O.C. on the number of cases in the country. 

But in its announcement on Monday evening, N.E.O.C. confirmed there were five more people that have tested positive with COVID-19 increasing the numbers of cases in quarantine to 20. The five latest cases are frontline workers with the other 15 returning residents who flew into Samoa on a charter flight from Brisbane, Australia and tested positive on their arrival.

The country remains on Alert level 3 for the duration of the 72-hour lockdown. 

Meanwhile the Deputy Opposition Leader has urged the N.E.O.C. to make their plans on COVID-19 public so that people are well informed and prepared for the worst. 

He pointed out that since the authorities reported the record number of cases of COVID-19 there has been no distribution of information out in the community of how to plan and actions needed to be taken.

Lauofo said village mayors should have been informed of such a plan so that they can go out in their own community and inform villages of steps needed to be taken.

In addition he also suggested that testing sites should be made available so should there be any community transmission the public is aware of where to go.