Inter Island flights between the two Samoa's have been canceled until further notice

“The American Samoa Covid-19 Task Force has decided to cancel flights between Pago Pago and Apia for one week, to support the Government of Samoa’s response efforts.

The Task Force will make an official announcement on Apia flight schedules as soon as official communications with the Government of Samoa confirm that both Samoas are able to safely resume inter-island flights.”

This is outlined in a press statement issued by Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga in response to an announcement by Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Matā’afa over Cabinet’s decision to undergo a 48 hour locked due to the increase in the number of positive Covid-19 cases.

“As of Wednesday, January 19th, Samoa’s total count of positive cases had increased to 15, all were passengers on a previous flight from Brisbane, Australia. All 15 positive cases are in managed isolation.

“In response to the increase in positive cases, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet has rendered it necessary to upgrade the nation’s Covid-19 threat level to Level 3. Level 3 is the highest level of risk on Samoa’s Covid-19 response plan, which has triggered a two-day nationwide lockdown.

The Samoa lockdown will be from January 22nd at 6pm (Samoa Standard Time) and end on Monday, January 24th at 6pm (Samoa Standard Time).

In response to the announcement from Apia this morning, Governor Lemanu has offered the following words of solidarity: “We thank the Honorable Prime Minister for her statement this morning and assure her and the people of Samoa that they are all in our prayers as we face this pandemic together. We will support Samoa with their response to these recent developments as much as we can”.