Task Force focuses on preparing territory for local COVID spread

compiled by Samoa News staff

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga’s recent call for more “active participation” by Task Force members was bolstered at this week’s COVID-19 Task Force meeting with a number of local politicians showing up in person to observe the deliberations where topics included crafting a response to community spread if it happens in the future, and exploring sustainable options for post-travel quarantine in 2022

In a press release issued by Task Force after this week’s meeting, the alternate Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR) — Fainu’ulelei Ala’ilima-Utu, who chaired the meeting, reiterated Governor Lemanu’s comments at the previous Task Force meeting — to continue pushing local vaccination efforts, preparing response to community spread if it happens in the future, and exploring sustainable options for post-travel quarantine in 2022 for those passengers from HI and the U.S. mainland.

Charging travelers for post-quarantine costs in 2022 was also mentioned as an option on the table.

“The Governor and Lieutenant Governor through the support of the COVID-19 Task Force remain committed to the safety of our community and the prevention of community spread and with God’s help those efforts have been successful. While we are doing our best to prevent community spread of COVID-19 in American Samoa, if it does happen in the future, we must be prepared for it. LBJ must be ready to handle COVID cases that require hospitalization. DOE must be ready to implement virtual learning for students”, said Ala’ilima-Utu.

Senator Faiivae Iuli Alex Godinet, Senator Tuiagamoa Tavai, Representatives Andra Samoa, and Sam Meleisea along with the director of Congresswoman Uifa’atali’s local office Pulu Ae Ae Jr., were in attendance.

COVID 19 VACCINE REQUIREMENT FOR ASG EMPLOYEES

Discussions this week within the COVID-19 Task Force pertaining to a full vaccination requirement for American Samoa Government employees disclosed that such a requirement would be implemented in the near future with exceptions recognized by law for physical disability, medical or sincere religious belief.

Full vaccination is already required prior to entering American Samoa for any person who is 16 years or older unless there is a showing of one or more of the three lawful exceptions.

APIA & HAWAII FLIGHTS

Some 100 travelers from Apia are scheduled to arrive this week on Wednesday and Friday comprising StarKist guest workers, U.S. nationals and returning residents. The American Samoa Department of Health and Samoa Ministry of Health have been discussing the topic of allowing passengers from American Samoa to travel to Samoa in the near future.

Over 300 travelers have registered on TALOFAPASS for the November 1st flight from Hawaii and approving ASG agencies continue to perform approvals on the system throughout the 3 test pre-travel protocol. There are 3 commercial flights from/ to Honolulu, HI remaining for the 2021 calendar year and the commercial flight schedule approved for the first quarter of 2022 has already been publicized.

TESTING AND VACCINATION

Department of Health Epidemiologist Dr. Aifili Tufa provided a brief global overview of COVID-19 sharing that the number of cases and deaths continue to decline. Dr Tufa attributes this decline to vaccination rates across the world going up and treatment protocol being standardized.

In total, 15,300 tests have been administered in the territory so far with 4 imported positive cases in post-travel quarantine and 6 cases at the seaport that did not come on land. The Department of Health expects to receive a shipment of 10,000 antigen tests as early as this week.

Among residents eligible to be vaccinated, 93% have at least one dose and 87.9% are fully vaccinated. In terms of vaccination coverage of the entire population, 72.8% have at least one dose, 68.9% are fully vaccinated, 5% have no shots yet, and 22.1% are ineligible (under 12 years old). The total number of those eligible that have not received any shots are estimated at 2,370 individuals. The vaccination rates for the 21- 30 year old age group continues to lag behind the other age groups.

QUARANTINE SITES

Travelers from the October 14th flight were scheduled to undergo more COVID testing on Wednesday and Thursday this week and will be discharged today, Friday morning October 29th if all test results are negative.

The one positive case is in isolation for continued monitoring. The American Samoa Department of Health has also been managing quarantine accommodations for incoming travelers from the Independent State of Samoa and Federal missions.