Acting Governor Talauega E.V Ale Issues New Emergency Declaration for Covid 19.

By: Tosimaeʻa Tupua

Email: tupua@opi.as.gov

American Samoa’s Covid 19 curfew has been removed according to the latest emergency declaration issued by Acting Governor Talauega E. V Ale. There will therefore be no restrictions on the hours of movement of people.

But the risk of Covid-19 infections, driven by the Omicron variant, remains high and the wearing of face masks remains mandatory with the government urging people to continue observing basic health protocols.

The number of people for indoor gatherings is no longer restricted. Previously, indoor gatherings were restricted to 50% of the capacity of the venue. The risk of increase in infections is still high given the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant. The Taskforce committee therefore calls on all organizers of these gatherings to ensure that all health protocols are observed at all times.

Alcohol establishments that have licenses to operate beyond 10pm will revert to full license conditions.

The latest emergency order relaxes funeral service restrictions. The previous declaration required funerals to be completed by 4 pm. Also removed from the new declaration are the hours of operation for business. Previously, businesses closed at 10:00 pm unless they were providing medical or emergency services.

At last week’s Taskforce meeting, Acting Governor Talauega said based on the trajectory of the pandemic, the levels of vaccination in the Territory and the available capacity within the health sector the committee decided to make these changes.

Wearing of masks is still required:

1. in or at a location where mask use is required by the person or agency who controls that location;

2. In a location where social distancing is not or cannot be maintained;

3. When onboard aircraft, ships, boats that carry passengers while traveling to American Samoa; and

4. On any school campus or childcare facility;

Travel and Entry Requirements:

Travelers must register with TALOFAPASS https://talofapass.as.gov/ the online travel program approved by the COVID-19 Task Force, the Department of Health, and the Department of Legal Affairs. That registration must take place at least

(A) 5 days prior to entering the Territory from Samoa; and

(B) 14 days prior to entering the Territory from any other location;

(2) Must show proof of full vaccination if they are 5 years old or older;

(A) Requests for vaccine accommodations for a medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief may be made on forms approved by the GAR.

(B) Forms may be requested by contacting the Governor’s Office at covidtravel@go.as.gov or 633-4121.

(C) Requests for accommodation must be received at least 14 days before travel.

(3) Any person traveling from outside of the US and Samoa must

(A) be in the US or Samoa for 72 hours prior to traveling to American Samoa; and

(B) show proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours prior to travel via TALOFAPASS;

(4) Must submit to COVID testing upon arrival; and

(5) Is subject to being placed in isolation if they test positive for COVID-19.

All other restrictions remain in place.

Vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness, hospitalization and death from Covid-19. All people in American Samoa who have not yet done so are encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible. This includes people who are eligible for booster shots.

The declaration will be effective June 27, 2022 and supersedes the Declaration dated May 27, 2022 and the amendments to that Declaration. It will in effect for thirty (30) days and will expire on July 27, 2022.

Nothing in this order affects the authority of village councils to enact regulations imposing curfews or restricting public gatherings pursuant to A.S.C.A. § 5.0305.