Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's government is warning anyone trying to discourage people from getting measles vaccinations to stop it.

The country is under a state of emergency as it tries to contain the epidemic, which has so far killed at least 16 people.

Under the state of emergency, a compulsory vaccination programme is underway.

In a statement, the government said that under the emergency declaration it is illegal to discourage or prevent people from getting immunised.

"All state of emergency orders ... are legally binding on the community," it said. "The specific order therefore to vaccinate is compulsory, and is to be complied with."

"Any person that actively discourages or prevents in any way members of the community from receiving their vaccination injection, is hereby warned, to cease immediately, and is similarly warned not to take any further action of that kind," it said.

Before the epidemic, measles immunity in Samoa was as low as 31 percent.

Meanwhile, bingo games have been banned in Samoa as the country tries to contain the spread of measles.

The gambling authority says licenced games have been suspended until the state of emergency is lifted.

Schools and other gatherings have already been ordered closed.

The mormon church has suspended all gatherings, while the seventh day adventist church has called off all youth gatherings until further notice.

GOVT. ORDERS NEW STATE OF EMERGENCY ORDERS

New orders of State of Emergency as prescribed by the Constitution’s Articles 105/106 are in effect immediately.

The new orders is to further support the Government’s drive to detain the Measle Epidemic in the country and include a number of new compulsory mandates.

The new orders are as follows;

1. VACCINATIONS - The Government of Samoa reinforces the Head of State Order of 15^th November 2019, for compulsory national vaccinations, starting first with the prioritized target age groups:
2. All persons aged 6 months to 19 years old; and
2. Non-Pregnant Females aged 20 to 35 years.
2. NATIONAL VACCINATION – It is confirmed that older age groups will also be vaccinated, once the prioritised vulnerable target age groups, are completed.
3. TRAVEL RESTRICTON - No child under the age of 19 can travel between Upolu and Savaii, until further notice.
4. OFFICAL ANNOUNCEMENTS - For all official Government releases and information in relation to the Measles Epidemic, the Government Press Secretariat is the official medium of communication.
5. PREGNANT MOTHERS – Henceforth:
6. that any pregnant mother is prohibited from attending her place of employment (whether public or private sector) except if she was vaccinated before her pregnancy; or
7. that any pregnant mother is prohibited from attending her place of employment (whether public or private sector) if she is in doubt about her status of vaccination before pregnancy.
6. INCREASE OF AGE TO 19 YEARS FOR ALL ORDERS:

With reference to the Emergency Order dated 16 November 2019, issue the following revised Orders:

1. all organized public gatherings must not include the presence of children up to the age of 19; and
2. that unless a child requires medical attention or assistance, a child up to the age of 19 is prohibited from entering any medical facility.

The orders was signed Wednesday afternoon after consultations with Cabinet by Member of the Council of Deputies, State, Le Mamea Lemalu Su’a Tuiletufuga Eatuavao Ropati Mualia acting in the absence of the Head of State.