Lt. Gov. details requirements for indoor dining at local restaurants

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — During Monday’s COVID-19 Task Force virtual news conference, Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo Ale reminded restaurant owners and operators that advanced approval is required from the Task Force before opening up for indoor dining.

Talauega, who is also the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR), said some restaurants have begun indoor dining but points out that “approval is first required” and restaurants need to work with the task force to make sure the restaurant is granted authorization for in-door dining.

He said this “requirement is based on the advice of our medical team, required for those types of gathering” which occurs in a more enclosed or smaller rooms. The other requirement is only 50% of maximum capacity numbers may be permitted entry.

The current COVID-19 Declaration, states in part that restaurants may provide take-out only — while dine-in service is prohibited, “except as approved by the GAR”. Conditions will vary based on the individual factors at each restaurant, however, the minimum requirements for opening includes:

•           Dine-in service may only be provided to customers who are five years old or older [and] who show evidence of full vaccination;

•           All restaurant employees 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.

CHURCH SERVICES

One of the media questions asked during the news conference, is whether the task force and Health Department require parishioners attending indoor church services to provide proof of full vaccination prior to entering the church.

This question has been raised by parishioners as some churches resumed services last Sunday and others this Sunday. And some church members have told Samoa News of their church requiring fully vaccination as religious leaders remain keen on protecting church members from being infected with the COVID-19 virus.

In his response, Talauega first pointed out that the governor’s declaration — since Code Red was declared after the community spread of COVID was confirmed on Feb. 21 — “never prohibited church services”.

He said the only limitation was that 10-people indoors and 20 outdoors. And now, the governor has deemed it appropriate to relax these restrictions, with indoor churches or any indoor gathering now set at 100 people, with masking and social distancing observed.

According to Talauega, there’s no requirement in the governor’s declaration of vaccination for indoor gatherings, such as church services. “But if churches want to require that of their parishioners, they can certainly do so,” he said.

Besides masking and social distancing, another requirement for indoor gatherings is that the place be well-ventilated, according to the governor’s declaration.

OTHER ISSUES

As part of his opening remarks at the start of the news conference, Talauega remind the public that it’s “Teacher Appreciation Week” and “Nurses Week” in American Samoa.

He asked the community to do something good for teachers and nurses to honor them during their special week.