APIA, 16 DECEMBER 2019 (SAMOA GOVT) – The State of Emergency due to the measles epidemic in Samoa has been extended until Sunday 29 December 2019 and effective immediately.
Signed by the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at the advice of Cabinet pursuant to Article 105,106 and 107 of the Constitution of Samoa, the extension orders are as follows;
(1) The State of Emergency declared 15 November 2019 (‘the Declaration’) is hereby extended to expire at 12:00 am on Sunday 29th December 2019 (expiry date).
(2) Public Gatherings – The previous Order to disallow any public gathering to include those under the age of 19, is amended as follows:
- That all public gatherings cannot henceforth include the presence of children up to the age of 14.
(3) INTER ISLAND TRAVEL – All Children up to the age of 14 years, must show proof of immunisation in order to board any inter-island ferry in Samoa.
(4) Examinations – Year 13 Examinations and the National University of Samoa’s Examinations shall resume as per notices of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture and the National University of Samoa, from 16th December 2019.
(5) Orders – All Other Orders currently in effect pursuant to the original Declaration, shall unless amended by Order, remain in effect until the expiry date.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health confirms a total of 5,210 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started. There were 56 recorded in the last 24 hours for Upolu, and no new cases for Savai’i.
There are currently 150 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities. Of this, 119 are at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (TTMH), 3 at Poutasi District Hospital, 16 at the Leulumoega Rural District Hospital, 2 at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital (MTIIH) 6 at Foailalo DH and 4 at Safotu District Hospital. Admissions include 16 critically ill children in ICU/HDU.
The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,648. Of that, 1,426 (87%) patients have been discharged.
To date, 72 measles-related deaths have been recorded. There were no fatalities in the last 24 hours.
As of December 14, 2019, approximately 93% of all eligible people in Samoa have been vaccinated against measles.
NEOC continues to be the focal point providing collaboration and operational coordination amongst all stakeholders, with advice and technical guidance from MOH for the duration of the Emergency Period.
