Samoa is safe and continues to welcome visitors - Travellers advised to check vaccination status

Samoa continues to welcome visitors as it is still open for business despite the country’s measles epidemic. The head of public health, Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thompsen, reassured travellers to Samoa that it is safe.

“Yes, Samoa is still safe for travel, as long as travellers have checked their vaccination status and that they do get immunised if they haven’t before travel.”

Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) has increased its awareness locally and abroad, and has strongly advised all travellers to and from Samoa to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.

The Ministry of Health is issuing clearance forms for those travelling out of Samoa who might need them after updating their vaccination status, with American Samoa making known the need fof such clearances for visitors from Samoa.

A mass Vaccination Campaign was activated at special fixed sites since the declaration of the country’s State of emergency, including the STA Fale amongst many other sites, as well as mobile outreach vaccination teams targeting areas with low immunization coverage.

To date, approximately more than 10,000 people received vaccinations through this campaign. STA CEO, Faamatuainu Lenata’i Suifua said that the Authority continues to carry out its destinational promotions, with a strong recommendation for visitors to update their vaccination status.

“We are actually continuing business as usual with increased awareness on the precautionary measures for our situation at home.” Said Faamatuainu.

“Tourism is the mainstay of our economy with so many families depending on this industry for their livelihoods, and leading up to the holiday season, we continue to advise everyone to simply take heed of the preventative health measures that are now in place.”

The National Emergency Operation Center continues to be the focal point providing collaboration and operational coordination amongst all stakeholders, with advice and technical guidance from Health Officials for the duration of the 30 day Emergency Period since the 15th of November.

For enquiries, contact the National Emergency Operation Center on telephone 997, or 911 for Emergencies.

For further information on Samoa Tourism, visit: website www.samoa.travel and facebook page https://www. facebook.com/SamoaTourismAuthority/ or contact Phone +685-63500.