COVID-19

In her address, which was broadcast on TV, radio and social media, she thanked everyone on the NHS frontline.

"I am sure the nation will join me in assuring you that what you do is appreciated and every hour of your hard work brings us closer to a return to more normal times," she said.

There are thanks from the Queen too for "those of you who are staying at home" and by doing so, "helping to protect the vulnerable and sparing many families the pain already felt by those who have lost loved ones".

The addition of hotels to government quarantine facilities was given the green light by the Ministry of Health.

Fifty people were also quarantined at the Latter Days Saints church hall in Mulifanua and 13 at the Faleolo Medical Center opposite the airport.

Hotel Association President, Tupa'i Sale'imoa Va'ai, said the use of hotels was pleasing as some of his members were financially struggling to cope with the current economic downturn.

In signing the extension into law this (Friday) evening His Highness the Head of State, AfiogaTuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II , after consultation with Cabinet as set out in F.K. (20) Special 13 is “satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the health, security or economic life of Samoa is threatened by a catastrophe.”

The extension will be in force in Samoa commencing from 12am of the morning of 5 April 2020 until 12 midnight of 2 May 2020.

Lautoka and Suva are now lockdown with the latter entering its first day following the announcement of two confirmed cases of the coronavirus there yesterday.

Fiji's Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho said the two officers arrested would be charged and will face internal disciplinary action.

Mr Qiliho warned police officers caught breaking the law would be expelled from the force, including those responsible for social gatherings at the police barracks.

In a televised address, Duterte said it was vital everyone cooperate and follow home quarantine measures, as authorities tried to slow the contagion and spare the country's fragile health system from being overwhelmed.

The Philippines has recorded 96 coronavirus deaths and 2311 confirmed cases, all but three in the past three weeks, with infections now being reported by the hundreds every day.

If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre

The intercontinental Super Rugby competition was shut down after round seven when the New Zealand government enforced two weeks of self-isolation for anyone entering the country.

Hopes of putting on a domestic competition foundered when government measures to counter the virus were further tightened, leaving the teams with players to pay but no revenue streams.

Fiji closed its border to Europe, China, South Korea and Iran on 8 March due to the Covid-19 threat.

Foreign Affairs Minister Inia Seruiratu said the government received a request from the British High Commission and is working with Fiji Airways to find an alternative route for those stranded.

"It's not only about getting them out of Fiji but to which destination. That is a challenge. It's not that simple. We have to have agreements because other countries have locked down as well."

Inia Seruiratu said a committee had been set up to look into the matter.

There people have died in Guam from coronavirus.

Overnight, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said 41 swabs were tested and five came back positive.

She added that 12 people have recovered from the virus.

Saina Tomi said this is due today.

Ms Tomi said despite the devastation to tourism caused by the coronavirus and measles crises, people are resilient and able to fall back on traditional practices for support.

She said she doesn't know of any Samoan who does not have access to family plantations for food or the ocean for fish. 

Ms Tomi said the country has the essentials to get by and is grateful for the early closing of the border.

Police say 48 people were taken into custody overnight for breaching the curfew hours from 10pm-5am.

Minister for National Security, Inia Seruiratu, said despite repeated warnings and advisories people were not adhering to the Covid-19 restrictions.

He said this was one of the challenges facing law enforcement officers on the ground.

"There have been arrests throughout the country particularly in the western division. And of course most of them have been charged. We are still appealing to our people to please cooperate with us."