BINGO games are back on… mask wearing, practice social distancing, 50% capacity

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As the territory reaches “herd immunity”, Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga has eased more restrictions under his new COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, effective May 28, businesses, indoor public gatherings, in-person schools and college instruction as well as government offices will resume normal operations effective June 1st.

Easing of restrictions is welcomed by the private sector, especially non-essential businesses hit hard when the COVID community spread was first recorded Feb. 21 on Tutuila, and those non-essential businesses had to close down.

The COVID-19 Task Force had hinted two weeks ago about easing more restrictions under the governor’s new declaration, which was released last Friday, May 27 and is valid through June 27.

In a separate news release, that accompanied the new declaration, the governor explained that more restrictions are being lifted and this is “due in part to the territory reaching community immunity or herd immunity, and this allows” the Health Department and the task force “the opportunity to manage their response adequately”.

The governor commended all residents for “their patience and support as we conducted this strategy to help give American Samoa the best possible chance of defending itself against COVID-19.”

 “Dealing with the pandemic is difficult physically, mentally, and emotionally. Especially when it affects all of our families and businesses. I want to thank you all for your continued support,” he said and recognized the help of the U.S Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Office of Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata for all the resources allocated in this effort.

PUBLIC GATHERINGS

The declaration maintains that outdoor gatherings are allowed if mask use is required and social distancing can be maintained to keep people at least 6 feet apart

For indoor gatherings, they are allowed if mask used is required; social distancing maintained to keep individuals or family groups at least 6 feet apart; and occupancy is limited to 50% of the maximum capacity for the location. Furthermore, the gathering must be held in a well-ventilated place.

CURFEW

The new declaration has the curfew period extending from 11p.m. until 4:30a.m. the following day. It also made clear that nothing in this order affects the authority of the village councils to enact regulations imposing curfews or restricting public gatherings — pursuant to local law.

And the declaration keeps in place that buses and taxis may operate 24 hours with required mask use and that gas stations maintain their normal business hours.

And all other businesses shall close at 10p.m. — instead of 9p.m. in the previous declaration — unless they are providing medical or emergency services or an exception has been granted pursuant to the Declaration.

Additionally, businesses may impose additional reasonable requirements and restrictions, to ensure the safety of their employees and customers and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

SCHOOLS & COLLEGES

Under the new declaration, schools and colleges may open for in-person classes if the following conditions are met:

•           all students who are 5 years old or older must show evidence of full vaccination;

•           all teachers and school personnel at the school compounds during in-person learning must show evidence of full vaccination;

•           mask use and social distancing are mandated at all times during in-person classes; and

•           limited occupancy to 50% of the maximum capacity of indoor spaces

It also says that additionally requirements may be issued by the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR) depending on individual factors at each school.

RESTAURANTS

For restaurants, the declaration states that they may provide dine-in services provided these minimum requirements are met: all employees of the restaurant must show evidence of full vaccination; mask use is required at all times except during active eating; social distancing is required; and seating capacity must be limited to 50% of the maximum capacity of the restaurant.

Furthermore, a restaurant may impose additional reasonable requirements to ensure the safety of its employees and customers, including temperature checks and proof of vaccinations.

OTHER BUSINESSES

The new declaration also eases restrictions on businesses and activities that were previously considered as non-essential in previous declarations.

It states that Bars and Nightclubs, Childcare Facilities, Hair Salons, Barbershops, Nail Salon, and other related Services may open provided that the following conditions are met:

•           all customers 5 years old or older must show evidence of full vaccination;

•           all employees of the business must show evidence of full vaccination;

•           mask use is required at all times except during active eating or drinking;

•           social distancing is required by limiting occupancy to 50% of the maximum capacity of the indoor spaces.

The declaration also addressed the other non-essential businesses providing minimum requirements for Bingo, Gyms and Fitness Centers, and Movie Theaters.

It says that all employees of these establishments must show evidence of full vaccination; mask use is mandated at all times; and social distancing is required. Business owners may impose additional requirements including having patrons show proof of vaccination.

ASG OFFICES

Effective June 1st, all government offices shall resume normal operations under the following minimum requirements:

•           employees working in office must comply with the requirements, which mandate that all ASG workers be fully vaccinated;

•           mask use and social distancing are required; and

•           limiting occupancy to 50% of the max capacity of the indoor spaces.

ENTERING THE TERRITORY

A new requirement, according to the declaration, is that effective June 2, any person entering the Territory must:

• Register on the ASG’s  TalofaPass websystem and that registration must take place 14-days prior to entering the territory; and the traveler must

•           show proof of full vaccination if 5 years old or older

•           show proof of negative COVID test within 72 hours prior to travel

•           submit to COVID testing upon arrival

•           complete a health questionnaire within 24 hours of departure.

The declaration makes clear that: “Any person who makes false statements or provides fraudulent documents to TalofaPass or refuses to comply with quarantine and testing requirements issued by the Department of Health shall be subject to criminal and civil penalties, including but not limited to a $1,000 fine”.

Click on attachment below for full copy of the declaration