The five new additional cases are all passengers that arrived on the repatriation flight from Australia.

To date the confirmed cases have increased to 15 cases.

This new development activated Samoa’s alert level to 3 and that by 6pm the nationwide lockdown will be effective.

Director General, Leausa Dr Take Naseri said the 15 passengers tested positive are asymptomatic and doing well.

Adding that the frontline workers that were at the Airport to service Wednesday’s flight, are now quarantined for the next 21 days.

Leausa said that on Friday more than 200 frontliners working at the Airport to service the repatriation flights from Australia underwent testing by the Ministry of Health and it garnered negative results.

Chairman of the National Emergency Operation Committee Agafili Shem Leo reminded the nationwide lockdown.

Lockdown means everyone stays home, all activities including church, schools, bars, restaurants, stores will be closed. Street vendors are urged to stay home, say Agafili.

Only essential workers will continue with their work, including the hospital, Police and FESA.

Only authorised vehicles are allowed on the road by 6pm. The police will be conducting check-points to ensure the public to abide by the State of Emergency regulations.

The public have been instructed to remain home, and it is now mandatory for the public to use face masks.