State of Emergency extended

Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II signed into law the amendment to the State of Emergency orders.

The new orders include an exemption for forensic pathologist and morgue technician – who will be exempt from quarantine requirements following approval by the Cabinet – confirming that the Government is considering bringing in another pathologist and morgue technician.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said that although infection were falling they remained high, and that some hospitals were still under strain

Restriction will be in place until 19 June, five weeks before the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics are due to start.

Organisers said they would wait until the emergency ends on 20 June to decide whether to allow local fans to attend.

Overseas fans have already been barred.

Samoa Observer reports that Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi announced that as long as there is still a threat of the virus reaching Samoa "we will continue to close our borders".

Some of the emergency orders were eased last month especially rules governing public gatherings like church services, weddings and spectator sports.

Government approved repatriation flights have been opened up from New Zealand and American Samoa.

All travelers from New Zealand must go through a 14-day quarantine period unlike passengers from the territory who do not have to.

In signing the extension into law this (Friday) evening His Highness the Head of State, AfiogaTuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II , after consultation with Cabinet as set out in F.K. (20) Special 13 is “satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the health, security or economic life of Samoa is threatened by a catastrophe.”

The extension will be in force in Samoa commencing from 12am of the morning of 5 April 2020 until 12 midnight of 2 May 2020.