A new emergency declaration for Covid-19 that Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga issued yesterday relaxes several some of the restrictions which have caused consternation among residents,
The mandate for all ASG employees and school students to be vaccinated for covid has been removed, Previously all government employees were required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of continued employment. In addition any new hires had to show proof of vaccination.
Talanei reported the mandate for ASG employees has been the target of a few protests led by two ASG female employees,
Previous declarations also required Covid vaccinations in Order for school children to be accepted in class. But the new declaration removes that requirement.
Key rules under the new emergency declaration which went into effect yesterday:
●Mask use is required for 10 days for any person who has tested positive for COVID-19, and 5 days for those who have been in close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19;
● Mask use is strongly encouraged for any person who has a cold, flu or flu-like symptoms, or has a health condition that makes them susceptible to serious ailments from airborne viruses;
● Vaccination is still a requirement for entry into American Samoa, but exceptions may be granted;
● DOH has the authority to issue isolation directives to restrict the movements of people who test positive for COVID-19, however those who test positive for Covid no longer have to register on TalofaPASS.
For travelers to American Samoa ,they
●Must register with TALOFAPASS
● Must show proof of full vaccinations if they are 5 years old or older;
●Requests for Vaccine Accommodations must be received at least 10 days before travel;
●Any person traveling from outside of the US and Samoa must show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test via TALOFAPASS within 72 hours prior to travel, says Talanei.
In a press release Governor Lemanu says, “The Department of Health latest reports show that the American Samoa COVID positivity rate is trending at less than 2%.”
He cautioned, “Although our circumstances may have improved, relaxing the restrictions should not cease any safety measures you and your family may have adopted into your lives.”
The Governor encourages everyone to continue to wear masks and practice social distancing, especially when they have symptoms of the flu, cold, or other airborne-related illnesses. He also advised to continue to wash hands frequently and complete vaccination and booster shots.
Governor Lemanu thanked the people of American Samoa for their patience and resilience.
He complimented the GAR Lieutenant Governor Talauega V. Ale, the COVID-19 Task Force, the LBJ Tropical Medical Center, and all departments and agencies involved, for persevering in the fight against COVID-19.
