Attendance at funerals in Samoa will be restricted to 10 people from a single household under the new State of Emergency (S.O.E.) Orders issued late Tuesday.

S.O.E. Orders 71 came into effect from 12.01am on Wednesday to coincide with the Government’s extension of the nationwide lockdown by another 14 days.

Those attending a funeral should also be aged 12 years and above, the Orders add and must show vaccination cards while wearing face masks and observe social distancing.

All public transport and commuting by buses and taxis are also prohibited for the duration of the 2-weeks lockdown. However, cargo and delivery trucks are permitted on the road for the purposes of delivering essential supplies only and in line with conditions as approved by the Cabinet.

All domestic travel by boat and ferries are prohibited except for: the purposes of transporting cargo and delivery trucks to transport essential supplies and medical emergencies as approved by Cabinet; for any other purposes as approved by Cabinet.

Hotels may open on the following conditions: for in-house hotel guests for room service and takeaway only; hotel restaurants may open to the public for takeaway only on the dates and times specified under Order 6(1). All businesses must close on Sunday.

And the selling of goods by street vendors is prohibited. The selling of alcohol by any shop (whether supermarket or small shop) and in hotels is also prohibited.

The public is also prohibited from accessing any hospital unless it is an emergency or he or she is seeking urgent medical attention or assistance at any health facility. 

All essential and emergency services are permitted to operate as approved by Cabinet. All Government Services are suspended except for essential and emergency services.