6 Dec 2019

Second day of government shutdown in Samoa

From Morning Report, 7:31 am on 6 December 2019

It's the second day of the government shutdown in Samoa, with more than 100 immunisation teams expected to head out to the country's most remote areas.

The death toll due to measles is now 62, and is continuing to rise.

People have been told to keep off the roads and stay at home.

At the same time the government is fighting a PR battle with antivaxers, and those pushing alternative treatments.

A man was arrested yesterday and charged with incitement against the Government's vaccination order. He is accused of putting out a public message against the current measles vaccination campaign saying "I'll be here to mop up your mess. Enjoy your killing spree".

Kim Hill speaks to RNZ's reporter in Samoa, Logan Church.