Six people were arrested for driving under the influence last night, this is despite repeated warnings by the Government of a nationwide lockdown.

This was confirmed by Acting Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo in response to questions from Radio Polynesia.

He commended the public who adhered to the call by the Government; but only certain people defied the orders of the State of Emergency of the lockdown by 6pm.

“We only issued one citation, but it's the drunk drivers arrested last night that causes grave concerns over the desuetude behavior depicted by these people for the rule of law in the Country.

“Let me remind the public the last thing the Police wants is to cite anyone, in saying that they will not hesitate to issue citations and remind the public that violating the law will always have consequences.

“We have also encountered issues pertaining to some businesses who claim to be essential workers, but unless we see the official NEOC pass, you will be cited.

“All we’re doing is enforcing the law stipulated under the SOE, hence the need to work together with the public,” said the Acting Police Commissioner.

Meanwhile more than 200 Police Officers working 12 hours shifts in line with the lockdown.

The Ministry of Police and Prisons continues to lead security and public safety since the beginning of the lockdown yesterday afternoon.

In a press statement issued last night, says the Police have been vigilant at various checkpoints and vehicle patrols around Apia City and its peripheries as well as all over the country in ensuring compliance with SOE orders issued yesterday.

"More than 50 warnings have been issued for breaches of SOE Orders since the start of the lockdown.

"The public is kindly reminded that vehicles are prohibited on the roads except for the ones authorized to deliver essential services

They have been vigilant at various checkpoints and vehicle patrols around Apia City and its peripheries as well as all over the country in ensuring compliance with SOE orders issued yesterday."

A separate statement issued by the Police noted that in enforcement of the State of Emergency Orders, all police officers and supporting staff are to ensure the compliance of the community to such orders by patrolling the streets.

“This includes setting up road blocks at designated road intersections; scrutinising supermarket and businesses to assure they adhere to take precautionary measures to contain the pandemic.

“We wish to remind you all to stay home and to stay safe.

“We would also like to acknowledge the support of our nation in the execution of our duties for this ongoing COVID-19 pandemic through words of encouragement and deference shown as we are working to ensure the safety of our nation.”