The State of Emergency due to the measles epidemic in Samoa has been extended until Sunday, 29 December 2019 and is effective immediately.
The Extension Order was signed by the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II this evening, (14th December 2019) at the advice of Cabinet.
There has been a change to the Order regarding public gatherings.
All public gatherings must not include the presence of children up to the age of 14.
All Children up to the age of 14 years, must show proof of immunisation in order to board any inter-island ferry in Samoa.
Year 13 Examinations and the National University of Samoa’s Examinations shall resume as per notices of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture and the National University of Samoa, from 16 December 2019.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the State of Emergency had been extended so as to administer vaccinations to the remaining population who have yet to be immunised.
This is an estimated 16,000 people among the population of approximately 190,000.
The measles epidemic has killed 72 people in the country since it began two months ago.