More seasonal workers left for New Zealand in a repatriation flight on Saturday with family members turning up in large numbers at Faleolo International Airport to bid them farewell.

The families appeared totally oblivious to a public notice issued by the National Emergency Operations Center (N.E.O.C.) on Friday that warned against members of the public going to the airport.

The flight on Saturday was originally scheduled for 22 January but had to be cancelled at that time when the country went into a 6-day lockdown, after local authorities detected multiple cases of COVID-19 on a charter flight that arrived in Samoa from Brisbane, Australia on 19 January.

A contingent of police officers guarded the airport gate and the roadside leading to the airport’s entrance. The families waited around the airport gate on Saturday to bid farewell to their loved ones, most of them seasonal workers as well as students going abroad for studies.

There were emotional scenes with families crying and hugging as their husbands or wives left for the airport terminal.

An elderly mother who sat outside the airport gate, Talalelei Sale, said she went to the airport to farewell her son who was travelling to New Zealand to participate in the seasonal work programme.

"It is not easy saying goodbye because everything was short notice and we did not have enough time," she said.

"But the good thing is that he is able to go overseas to earn money to support his children and family.

"This is the first time he has left us to travel overseas, it is hard to let go of your child after many years." 

The families at the airport were not aware of a notice issued by the N.E.O.C. on Friday and Saturday – pursuant to Order 3(3) of the State of Emergency for COVID-19 – which prohibited people from gathering at the airport or the Matautu wharf unless they are permitted to travel.

“We implore the country’s continuous support and assistance in keeping Samoa safe from the fury of COVID-19,” read the statement. 

 “Non-compliance with requirements of this Order will result in incurring penalties stipulated under Order 16(1) (a), of the State of Emergency Order.

“An individual confirmed to have breached these requirements is liable to a fine of $200 for a first offence, and a fine of $500 for a continuous offence.

“For an organisation, corporation or similar legal entity, a fine of $5,000 for a first offence and a fine of $7,000 for a continuous offence.” 

N.E.O.C. Chairman Agafili Shem Leo also said in a statement that access to all COVID-19 quarantine sites is strictly prohibited and only authorised personnel are permitted to enter the  sites and premises.

He said a breach of any of these restrictions is an offence and is liable to a $2,000 penalty under the State of Emergency Orders. 

“The COVID-19 Quarantine process is a crucial mechanism developed to maximise protection of Samoa from potential exposure to, or contact with individuals in isolation. 

“We appreciate the public’s understanding and continuous support in keeping Samoa safe.”