New State of Emergency (S.O.E.) Orders for Level 2 have been released by authorities with certain businesses like fitness centres, gaming facilities, nightclubs and bars to remain close until further notice. 

The amended orders comes on the back of the announcement by the Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa on Monday to indicate a major policy shift. The shift saw Alert Level 3 downgraded to Level 2 for the next two weeks and both private and public sector employees asked to return to work. 

Nevertheless under the S.O.E. Orders public gatherings are restricted to 30 people for church services and funerals but every other gathering is limited to 15 people who must be 12 years of age and above unless its for the purpose of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Swim at beaches and pools is also still prohibited and there are to be no sporting events and tournaments of any kind. 

Some of the key changes are noted below:

Domestic Travel: 

(1)Buses and Taxis Travel by buses and taxis is permitted from 6am to 2pm on Monday to Saturday, on the following conditions: 

(a) operators of buses must not carry more than 20 passengers; and (b) operators of taxis (sedans) must not carry more than 2 passengers, including the driver; (c) operators of taxi vans must not carry more than 8 passengers including the driver; (d) must show COVID-19 Vaccination card; (e) observe social distancing; (f) must wear face masks; (g) passengers under the age of 12 not permitted unless it is for the purposes of receiving the Covid19 Vaccination. 

(2) Other vehicles 

(a) Cargo and delivery trucks are permitted on the road for the purposes of delivering essential supplies only and on conditions as approved by cabinet. (b) Rubbish collection trucks as contracted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) are permitted on the road for the purposes of rubbish collection and on the conditions as approved by cabinet. (c) Private vehicles are permitted on the road and must comply with conditions in Order 

(3) Ferries 

Ferry services between Upolu and Savaii shall operate according to the normal schedule including Sundays on the following conditions: 

(a) Restricted to no more than 30 passengers; (b) Children under the age of 12 not permitted; (c) must show COVID-19 Vaccination card; (d) observe social distancing;(e) must wear face masks; (f) must comply with the measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID 19 as advised by the Ministry of Health and National Emergency Operation Centre from time to time. 

(4) Domestic Flights 

Domestic flight services between Upolu and Savaii may operate according to the normal schedule including Sundays on the following conditions: 

(a) Children under the age of 12 not permitted; (b)must show COVID-19 Vaccination card; (c) observe social distancing; (d) must wear face masks; and (e) must comply with the measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID 19 as advised by the Ministry of Health and National Emergency Operation Centre from time to time. 

6. Markets, small shops, supermarkets, and businesses: 

(1)For markets (including flea markets and fish market or any market 

which the public have access to): 

(a) are permitted to open from Monday to Saturday, from 6.00am to 2:00pm; and (b) no person is to sleep overnight at any marketplace (2) Supermarkets and small shops are permitted to open from Monday to Saturday from 6.00am to 2.00pm. 

(3) All other businesses are permitted to operate from 6.00am to 2.00pm from Monday to Saturday except for the following businesses which are to close until further notice: 

(a) Nightclubs and Bars; (b) Fitness centres and Gyms; (c) Gaming Facilities. 

(4) Security services providers are permitted to operate normal security services. 

(5) Stevedoring services on the wharves are permitted to operate normal services of the wharf as required for loading and off-loading cargo for vessels. 

(6) Rubbish collection and disposal providers are permitted to operate normal services pursuant to their contracts with MNRE. 

(7) Hotels may open on the following conditions: 

(a) for in-house hotel guests for room service and takeaway only from Monday to Sunday; and (b) hotel restaurants may open to the public from Monday to Saturday from 6.00am to 2.00pm for takeaway only. 

(8)Restaurants are permitted to open from 6:00am to 2.00pm from Monday to Saturday for takeaway only. 

(9) All businesses must close on Sunday. 

(10) For the purpose of this Order all persons must comply with the 

measures in Order 3 and measures for the prevention of the spread of COVID 19 as advised by the Ministry of Health and National Emergency Operation Centre from time to time. 

7. Street vendors: (1) The selling of goods by street vendors is prohibited. (2) Children under the age of 16 years selling goods in public is strictly 

prohibited. 

8. Selling of alcohol 

The selling of alcohol is prohibited.