DoH extends quarantine after ‘cluster’ outbreak at Hawaii site

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Public Health, with the State of Hawaii Department of Health's guidance, last week acted swiftly and diligently to ensure the safety of all travelers in the current repatriation quarantine quarters in Honolulu, HI, according to a statement issued after the press conference called to discuss the rollout of vaccinations for 12-15 year olds 

As the State of Hawaii had categorized the quarantine as a "cluster," the ASDOH implemented a swift action of set policies that have isolated the positive cases resulting in zero transmission among the rest of the quarantine.

In a recent ZOOM meeting with Director of Public Health Motusa Nua and Director of Medicaid Sandra King-Young, the governor was thankful the ASG staff acted as quickly as they did.  "I commend the efforts of Director Nua, Director King-Young, and the rest of the ASG staff in Hawaii for acting quickly and deliberately," Lemanu said. 

"We are not out of the woods yet.  This pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges, but our emergency first responders and public health administrators have ensured that the traveler's safety was their main priority.  We need to make sure we take care of travelers, first responders, and ASG staff.  However the relaxed restrictions should not lead to complacency.”  He concluded by saying, “Our prayers are with you and your families, and we look forward to better news in the upcoming days."

The decision to extend the quarantine to 14 days was made by the State of Hawaii due to the variant breakthrough cases and the quarantine's elevated status to "cluster."  As of this past Thursday no new cases were reported spreading through the quarantine.  However, it is essential that the State of Hawaii DOH carries out its due diligence by studying the positive variant cases and how to keep the travelers protected, the release said.

Governor Lemanu continues to encourage all residents of American Samoa to get vaccinated.  "It is important that we have the numbers we need to have to be successful at giving our island the best chance possible to fight COVID if we do not help to build up our defenses within."

The Governor recorded a televised message on May 26, 2021, where he unveiled the American Samoa Department of Public Health and COVID-19 Task Force plans to carry out the vaccination program for 12-15-year-olds as well as taking the program out to the villages.

The 5th repatriation flight is currently scheduled for this coming Tuesday, June 1.