Apia, SAMOA — The Samoan government has made some significant changes to the State of Emergency Orders for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cabinet has decided that supermarkets can be open on Sundays from 3pm till 10pm.

They have also been allowed to open from 6am till 10pm from Monday to Saturday each week.

Restaurants are now also allowed to open from 6am until 11pm Monday to Saturday and on Sundays they may open from 12noon till 10pm for dining or take out services.

Petrol stations are now allowed to open on Sundays but with restricted hours of 3pm until 10pm.

Public gatherings have also been given some leeway with limitations on numbers all being lifted for all gatherings but with public safety still of utmost importance.

Village matai council toonai's have been given the green light, with no restrictions in numbers attending.

Nightclubs have been given an extra hour with the new closing time of 11pm and opening at 6am Monday to Saturday.

Bingo games get extra time with new opening time of 6am until 11pm Monday to Saturday.

Produce markets in Upolu and Savaii are now allowed to operate from 6am until 7pm Monday to Saturday and private pharmacies are now allowed to open from 3pm until 10pm on Sundays.

While Sunday ferry sailings are still not open, especially for the general public, dispensation has been given for necessary transportation of needed cargo.

The new measures come into effect today and apply until 4 January when Cabinet will meet to review the measures.

(Source: RNZ Pacific)