Am Samoa declares public health emergency as a result of measles

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American Samoa has declared a public health emergency as a result of a confirmed measles case and 31 suspected cases, in the territory.

The declaration was issued last night by Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga.

He said the Department of Health and American Samoa Government are authorized to utilize all necessary powers to contain and prevent the imminent risk of further spread of measles and that the Emergency Operations Center is activated to coordinate response efforts.

This is outlined in the declaration released by the Governor’s office as we are heading into our news.

According to the Emergency Declaration all schools, public or private, and American Samoa Community College (ASCC) are closed effective today April 24. 2023 in line with daycare and childcare facilities that were closed April 20. 2023.

The closure is for three weeks. Schools will utilize online/distance learning and all authorities, departments and offices shall support the Department of Education and ASCC to ensure that all students have access to online/distance learning.

Any person who tests positive for measles should be issued a directive to isolate up to twenty- one days.

The Director of Health or his designee is authorized to quarantine a person for up to twenty- one days without notice if that person was or may have been exposed to measles.

Quarantine may be at the individual’s home or residence or at a designated quarantine facility. Quarantine for more than twenty-one days must be authorized by the High Court of American Samoa.