Members of the public have been warned that there will be consequences if they do not comply with the nationwide lockdown restrictions over the next two days. 

The Secretary to Cabinet and Chairman of the National Emergency Operation Center (N.E.O.C.), Agafili Shem Leo, made the announcement during a press conference on Saturday.

According to the new State of Emergency (S.O.E.) orders issued on Saturday to coincide with the lockdown, those who breach the restrictions are liable to be slapped fines going up to $2,000 tala. 

“A police officer may serve an emergency order offence notice on a person who has committed an offence to which this emergency applies,” reads the S.O.E. order.

Furthermore, a notice under this Order shall be in the form approved by the Commissioner of Police.

“A person who has been served with a notice must pay the fine stated in the notice within 24 hours of the issuance of the notice.”

In terms of the penalties: a person commits an offence where the person does not comply with any of the S.O.E. orders except for order 1 [on international travel by plane, boat or ship], will attract penalties such as a fine of $200 for an individual for a first offence, and a fine of $500 for a continuous offence.

While an organization or corporation or similar such legal entity, will be fined for $5,000 for a first offence, and a fine of $7,000 for a continuous offence.

In addition, the penalties revealed that those that committed offences can be detained by the Police not exceeding three months; or both detainment and fines.

However, a person who commits an offence where the person does not comply with Order 1, they will attract the following penalties: a fine of $2000 for an individual.

While for an organisation or company, they will be fined with $15,000 for a first offence and a fine of $20,000 for a continuous offence.

“A person commits an offence, where the person does not comply with quarantine requirements issued by the Director General of the Ministry of Health attracting a penalty of $2,000.00.

“The payment of a fine under this Order, shall avoid any further prosecution for the offence stipulated in the Notice issued under Order 14. 

“Where a person is convicted of an offence under these Orders, he or she shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, or both.”

In addition, any business that breaches Order 5 on the closure of all markets, small shops, supermarkets under these Orders will have their business license revoked for the duration of the S.O.E. in addition to penalties already provided under the relevant legislation regarding business licenses.

Agafili also revealed during the N.E.O.C. media conference on Saturday that the wearing of face masks by members of the public at all times is mandatory. 

Currently Samoa has 15 positive COVID-19 cases from the 73 passengers who arrived in Samoa on Wednesday from Brisbane, Australia.

Some of the measures under the new S.O.E. include, only authorised vehicles will be allowed on the roads during the lockdown period. All other activities such as work, schools, travels, restaurants, bars and churches will be closed. 

All trading from retail stores to wholesale outlets, petrol stations, hotels will all be closed down during the lockdown.

Samoa’s COVID-19 positive cases are all in isolation sites while the rest of the passengers remain in quarantine facilities.

And to date, all of the positive cases including the rest of 73 passengers from Australia remain asymptomatic.

Additionally, all the passengers including the 250 plus frontline staff will be tested every three days while in quarantine for 21 Days.