All educational institutions in Samoa will close Friday 18 March until further notice as the country exits Alert Level 2 on Friday night and enters Level 3 from 12am Saturday to go into a full lockdown.

The Ministry of Education Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) issued a public notice signed by the Ministry's Acting Chief Executive Officer Perenise Tinei.

The closure of all educational institutions follows a special announcement by the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa on Thursday night confirming Samoa's first ever COVID-19 community transmission case.

According to the Ministry, teachers should now make alternative arrangements for their students as the country enters another lockdown. 

"All Government teachers report to their respective schools on Friday 18^th March to prepare necessary arrangements for students," the Ministry advised. “For all private and mission schools please contact your schools directly."

Furthermore, all programmes that were scheduled for Friday 18 are on hold until further notice.

Some of the programmes include: National Museum Day; Four Year level awareness; National Assessment feedback workshops; Minimum Service Standards Verification; ECE Verification visits.

Additionally the Ministry advised that all M.O.H. precautionary rules are currently being enforced.

Some of the precautionary advice include: for all teachers to wear masks and to carry their COVID-19 Vaccination Cards; to ensure hand washing and hygiene precautions at all times; and adhere to 2 meters social distancing at all times.

“The Ministry will continue to provide assistance through its Multimodal Plan for schools and will communicate with Principals from time to time.” 

 Some of the mission schools also issued statements on the school closure on Friday.

St Mary’s College issued a statement notifying all parents and guardians, students and staff of the new developments with Samoa’s state of emergency (S.O.E.) lockdown conditions. 

“Due to the Level 2 lockdown as recently announced by Prime Minister of Samoa at 10.30pm [Thursday], our school will be closed from Friday 18th March 2022, until further notification. 

“Our school's management and staff will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow at 8am to discuss further our respond. 

“We encourage everyone to stay safe and stay prayerful during these tough times.”

Another school, Church College Pesega issued a notice on Facebook advising all parents, guardians and students of the College that there will be no school starting Friday 18th March as per Government announcement until further notice or update.

“We will inform you of our homeschooling schedule and plans, if necessary as soon as we can.”

The National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) also issued a statement highlighting the closure of all its campuses to students.

In accordance with the Government of Samoa's declared COVID-19 Alert Levels 2 and 3, all N.U.S. campuses in Vaivase, Moto'otua, Mulinuu and Salelologa are now closed to students until further notice. 

“Student learning will now switch to online mode via Moodle. Only essential services are expected to report to work."

“For essential workers, remember your COVID-19 vax card and wear a face mask.”

The University of the South Pacific (U.S.P.) through its Samoa Campus postponed its orientation day which was scheduled to be held on Friday.