Hundreds of Samoans ignored government orders and attended church services.

Under the state of emergency to protect the spread of COVID-19, the Samoan government issued a proclamation prohibiting the assembly of more than five people in an enclosed area.

'Aulotu i Samoa. Source: you tube.

Despite this order, police reported that more than thirty churches of various denominations went ahead with Sunday services.

The Commissioner of Police has issued a stern warning to church groups that any further violation of the orders will result in prosecutions under the state of emergency.