Mar. 31 passengers who “forgot” to get travel docs stamped are — illegal

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — While no numbers were given, Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo Ale said that some travelers who arrived on the Mar. 31 flight from Honolulu “forgot” to provide travel documents to be stamp for entry in the territory and those passengers are therefore considered to have made “illegal entry” into American Samoa.

Talauega made the brief revelation during Monday’s virtual news conference, when he spoke about the drive-thru testing for passengers on the Mar. 31 flight who tested negative that night and were sent home for quarantine for the required period of time.

“Some of you that came on the flight on Mar. 31 — perhaps due to your excitement of going home — forgot to provide your travel documents so that they could be scanned and reported into our system,” said Talauega who noted that Immigration Office is contacting these individuals.

“So you know who you are,” Talauega said referring to travelers who “forgot” to provide their travel documents to be scanned and stamped for entry into the territory. And he recommended that these individuals bring their travel documents during a drive-thru at Pago Pago International Airport parking lot, carried out yesterday and today.

“It’s critical that you bring your passport or travel documents so that it can be entered into the system, because as of now, you are an illegal entry onto our island,” he said, as the news conference was also streamed on KVZK-TV Facebook page.

Talauega also reminded these travelers that they are supposed to check in daily on TalofaPass websystem. “It’s critical for us to know and confirm that you are abiding by the terms of your quarantine to stay home,” he said.

For this flight, Health Department clinical service acting director, Dr. Elizabeth Lauvao said two travelers tested positive on the night of arrival and two more tested positive the following day. And all are in isolation at the DoH Alternate Care Facility in Tafuna.

Samoa News understands that the four travelers are a couple and their two children and the rest of the 255 travelers — who tested negative — were released to home quarantine.

For the drive-thru second test yesterday and today — which is mandatory — the results are expected on Apr. 7.

In a statement issued Monday afternoon regarding the second test, DoH said that travelers who continue to test negative would be released from Home Quarantine on Day 8 — Friday April 8. Travelers who test positive will be placed in Home Isolation for up to 14 days.

“Travelers who do not show up for testing will not be released from home quarantine and your directive will continue for a total of 14 days,” the statement says.