Amid calls for villagers to avoid Apia as a COVID-19 hotspot, people on the southeast coast of Upolu are opting for their plantations and the ocean to sustain themselves and their families.

Now that the Government has extended the lockdown by two weeks, giving the public a two-day 6-hour window to shop amid the lockdown, villagers are adamant that returning to their roots is the best option.

Mikaele Samuelu of Lalomanu told the Samoa Observer that he usually goes fishing at night, but low tide is also good for searching for sea urchins during the day. 

He said that the lack of income, due to being laid off by beach fales due to the lack of customers, does not bother him when it comes to food. 

"There is no money but we have the big ocean and lots to eat from it," he said with a smile. During the lockdowns Mika, who has younger siblings, heads out to fish at every opportunity and makes sure that there is taro from his plantation for their elderly father.

"Life is very simple here, we can get what we want. I am not worried about COVID-19 as I am more worried about my family but I am okay," he said. 

Sikuka Uimaitua, who is married with young children, also goes fishing and does work for the family when he gets a chance. 

As one of the managers for a beach fale, which has not had enough guests to employ him, Sikuka also volunteers for the resort when he is needed.

"We have to do what we can to help our village and our family," he said. "I go fishing, I go to the plantation, we do get money from families overseas but we also do not want to count on them too much. 

“They are also affected by COVID-19, Samoans are resourceful.”

According to beach fale owners from Saleapaga to Lalomanu and Namu'a fales, their employees have all been laid off due to the COVID-19 shutdown.

Taleo Vaaiga of Manusina beach fales in Saleapaga told Samoa Observer in a recent interview that he and his young children and wife are the employees of the beach fales. 

"We do not generate enough to afford employees so we just do it ourselves," Mr Vaaiga said. 

He admitted that they have not had guests for a while but he is okay with the safety aspect of not having people stay with them.

"It is okay that we do not have guests because we also need to protect ourselves, there is a time and place for it but now is the time to look after our families," he said.