The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) has finalised the opening hours of the Mount Vaea scenic reserve during the State of Emergency (S.O.E.) period.

In a statement released by the Ministry, the public has been advised that the trail will open from 6am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.

But public gathering including of groups numbering five or more at the trail remains prohibited/ 

"The Ministry in response to the proclamation state of emergency issued for COVID-19, the public is hereby advised of the following conditions for the use of the Mt Vaea Scenic Reserve for recreational activities, especially the use of the trail up to the Robert Louis Stevenson tomb to ensure safety," stated a press release.

The Ministry said no one is allowed to even congregate at the Fale Samoa at the car park at any time and encouraged the public to work together to ensure that Samoans are all safe and well protected.

Members of the public have supported the idea of these new opening hours, because they believe it is for the people's protection.

Vailima resident Talavou Tino said it is a good idea to impose restrictions at the park as it is not safe with the coronavirus spreading globally.

"This is the time where we should be staying with our families and spend our time together, we shouldn't be giving so much burden on our Police force because they have other things to be worried about," he said.

"Home is the place where we are much safer so I don't know who would want to go visits any attractions in these times."