Strict measures issued under Samoa's State of Emergency

It is now a legal requirement for Samoans to receive their measles vaccination and public gatherings involving children have been banned.

The government proclamations are just two measures effective immediately and follow the issuance of a State of Emergency on Friday night.

All schools and universities have also been closed and government examinations scheduled for this month have been postponed indefinitely.

Hospitals are also implementing new policies with only one family member or caregiver allowed to attend to a patient and unless they are requiring medical attention, no child under the age of 18 can attend a medical facility.

Police have been instructed to keep the peace, support staff and families of the hospitals, and attend to assisting with the monitoring of visitors.