Dr Ashley Bloomfield, of the Ministry of Health, confirms New Zealand's first case of Covid-19.

Air New Zealand has been ordered to cut the number of times it flies to Samoa due to coronavirus fears.

The Samoan Government issued a statement on Saturday forcing a number of airlines to reduce flights.

It followed news an Auckland man in his 60s was confirmed as having Covid-19 on Friday.

Air New Zealand flights from Auckland to Apia would drop from six to three per week from Monday, Air NZ announced on Sunday.

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All passengers to Samoa would also be required to carry a medical certificate, indicating they are well and able to travel, the Samoan Government said.

RICKY WILSON/STUFF Air New Zealand has halved the number of flights to Samoa as the Pacific Island nation tries to reduce the risk of coronavirus entering the country.

"Due to New Zealand's close proximity to Samoa and the confirmation of its Covid-19 case in Auckland New Zealand, the increased risk of Covid–19 entering Samoa has elevated from high to very high and its impact on Samoa's population remains catastrophic," the statement said.

"The frequency of all international flights to Samoa will be reduced in our ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention of the Covid-19 entering Samoa."

An Air New Zealand spokesperson said the airline was working through flight changes, to take effect from March 2.

"Air New Zealand will directly contact customers affected by these changes. Customers booked via a travel agent, including online travel agents, will be contacted by their booking agent."

The information would also be published on the travel alerts section of the Air New Zealand website.

"While these restrictions are expected to be disruptive to some customers planning to travel to Samoa, Air New Zealand understands the request, and will do what is necessary to comply with the requirements of the Samoan Government."

ALLAN STEPHEN/UNICEF A measles outbreak in Samoa devastated the community. More than 80 people died and thousands were infected (file photo).

Samoa Airways was also ordered to reduce its number of flights from New Zealand from five to three per week.

Travellers entering Samoa from Australia, Fiji, American Samoa, Hawaii or Tonga will also be required to travel with a medical certificate.

A measles outbreak in Samoa devastated the island nation. More than 80 people have died and thousands have been infected by the highly contagious disease.