Samoa enforces strict measures to tackle measles

The Government has ordered the closure of all schools and mandatory MMR vaccinations for all Samoans.

The Orders were issued in light of the State of Emergency declared by the Government.

The Ministry of Health (through the resolution of the Disaster Advisory and National Advisory Committee) is to publish its programme and schedule for the new vaccination programme by Monday 18 November.

This must include the confirmation of:

• Location;
• Dates for vaccinations for each Location;
• Modes of Transport (where available);
• Age brackets that will be prioritized;
• Any other health precautions required for the members of the public.

All schools including the National University of Samoa (NUS) have been closed until further notice.

All Government administered examinations that were pending have been postponed until further notice.

The Government has also banned all public gatherings including the presence of children up to the age of 17.

At all National Hospitals, only one family member caregiver can attend to the care of any person who is hospitalized anywhere in Samoa.

Unless they are requiring medical attention, no child under the age of 18 can attend to any medical facility.

The Ministry of Police has been ordered to keep the peace, support staff and families of the hospitals, and attend to assisting the National Hospitals to assist with monitoring the visitors.

The Orders of State of Emergency are in effect immediately following the endorsement by the Member of the Council of Deputies Afioga Le Mamea Lemalu Su’a Tuiletufuga Leatuavao Ropati Mualia , acting in the absence of the Head of State and after consultation with Cabinet.