Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa has announced that Samoa will go into lockdown for 48 hours after an emergency Cabinet meeting on Saturday morning gave the approval.

The lockdown will start at 6pm on Saturday and end 6pm this coming Monday 24 January. 

Fiame addressed the nation during a special announcement on Saturday morning following an emergency Cabinet meeting. 

She said Samoa will go into Alert Level 3 as there are now 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases, following a charter flight that flew in from Australia on Wednesday.

"This morning 5 more cases have tested positive, this is a significant number for Samoa," she said.

The Prime Minister said the decision for the country to go into a lockdown follows a Cabinet meeting and its approval while taking into consideration the country's safety. 

Essential services of the Government will continue to work, according to Fiame.

There will be no public transport allowed except for authorised vehicles as well those in essential services. 

Schools will also close including all restaurants and churches and the Police will continue to ensure the protection of the nation.

“Samoa our Government's prayer is for the peace of our country and may we depend on God as we go through challenging times,” said the Prime Minister.

“We ask for the country's support.”

• This is a developing story….