According to American Samoa’s Fourth Amended Emergency Declaration for COVID-19, all Samoa Airways flights are suspended until further notice “however this restriction will continually be reviewed depending on the COVID-19 status of both countries.”
Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said in an interview on Radio 2AP, if the American Samoa Government accepts a proposal from Samoa, a weekly flight between the two Samoa would start soon,
But Tuilaepa warns the conditions of travel will be so stringent “you may as well not travel”.
He said flights will operate only on Fridays for returning citizens and residents.
Travelers will be required to undergo 14 day quarantine period before travel and also go through another 14 day quarantine period upon arrival in Samoa.
Tuilaepa said only citizens and residents from Samoa returning home to American Samoa and the same in American Samoa returning to Samoa should travel.
“This travel benefit does not apply to those hoping to attend family fa’alavelave,” he said.
The Prime Minister also announced an easing of travel restrictions between Samoa and other international ports including New Zealand under “exceptional circumstances approved by Cabinet.
Short visits will not be allowed so only returning citizens and residents will be able to travel as well as those needed for essential services.
Tuilaepa announced that the State of Emergency will extend until June 2 with some easing of restrictions.
Beginning this Sunday only one church service will be permitted on Sunday, and one on Saturday for Seventh Day Adventists.
All schools will be allowed to open Monday May 4 but with some conditions in place to continue preventive precautions against COVID-19.
