After more than 2 years COVID-19 Emergency Declaration is lifted

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga has lifted the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration (GED) and it will no longer be in effect, the Governor’s Office stated in a press release issued on the first day of this month, Dec. 1, 2022.

However, the release cautions that “current data suggests that while the virus is still circulating at a very low level, our Territory is still not in the clear. Vaccines, boosters, testing, treatments and other mitigation measures remain available for the continued safety and well-being of the Territory.”

The COVID-19 Task Force has been engaged in discussions with Federal partners on a path toward long-term recovery.

 In the meantime, residents and visitors in American Samoa should comply with any further Dept. of Health advisories and take the following protections when necessary:

                        ●  Wear a mask 


                        ●  Clean and disinfect 


                        ●  Clean and wash your hands often with soap and water 


                        ●  Avoid close contact with someone who is sick 
 


“American Samoa’s COVID- 19 response has been guided by science and data-driven recommendations from the medical community in order to implement multiple phases of the operation strategically,” the governor said.

“The GED was a tool to communicate rapidly evolving data and Covid-19 policies to the community. Our COVID- 19 response would not have been possible without the painstaking efforts of our healthcare heroes, numerous Federal and Territorial partners, and support of the community.”

As a result of the rigorous efforts of our healthcare workers, American Samoa’s pandemic response has saved thousands of lives. A total of 8,264 COVID cases with 8,229 that have recovered, American Samoa has fully vaccinated over 85% of the population, and 91% of the population has at least one shot, according to the release.

The first COVID-19 Emergency Declaration was issued for then- Governor Lolo Moliga on March 18, 2020.

(Source: Governor’s Office press release)