The Samoan government will close all schools in the country because of the current measles epidemic, but not until after exams are complete.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education, Afamasaga Dr Karoline Fuata'i made the announcement on Friday.

Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

TV1 Samoa reported the CEO has stated that Cabinet has approved for all primary schools to be closed from 15 November and high schools from 29 November after they complete their exams.

Afamasaga said most primary schools had finished national exams for the year except for some who were sitting entry exams to higher levels.

She said once they finished, they would be closed down.

Earlier this week the government closed all pre-schools in the country as a precautionary measure from measles infections.

More than 300 people, mostly young children, were suspected to have the viral illness.

Three people have died from suspected measles cases since the declaration of the epidemic last month.