Lt Gov. and AG provide further info on protocols for re-opening businesses

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — During Monday’s virtual news conference, Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo V. Ale responded to one of the advance media questions submitted to his office concerning prohibited business identified under the Governor’s COVID-19 Emergency Declaration; and the protocol in order to re-open since Code Red was declared Feb. 21 following the first cases of community spread of the deadly virus.

Talauega, who is also the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR), recalled the specific prohibited business listed under the declaration and this was also explained by Attorney General Fainu’ulelei Falefatu Alailima-Utu during his presentation — which was explained in Samoan.

Talauega explained that the declaration provides that if one of the prohibited businesses seeks an exemption to re-open, they must submit a request to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the COVID-19 Task Force.

 “For clarification,” he said, “the request needs to come with a proposed safety plan, on how you expect to operate. So just an email to the EOC saying that ‘you want to open your shop’, is not going to be sufficient.”

Additionally, the “business needs to provide a plan on how to operate the business safely. The plan will require things such as full vaccination of employees and periodic testing,” he continued.

“Also as a requirement is customers be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination before allowed in, to use your services,” he pointed out.

Talauega, who is also chairman of the task force, said these same requirement apply to businesses requesting 24-hour operation. When a request is submitted, “you need to tell us your plan — tell us how many employees will be working 24-hours and what is your plan to make sure that these employees are safe,” he said.

Responding to a media follow up question, Fainu’ulelei said there’s a Health Department (DOH) “check list” on what should be included in the safety plan submitted to EOC and the task force. And the check-list is provided to any of the applicants seeking an exemption.

Furthermore, there’s also a site visit by DoH and local Homeland Security Department (ASDHS). And once, the applicant/business shows that they can comply, “the certificate of approval to open is issued by the Health director, plus detailing the requirements,” said Fainu’ulelei.

As of Mar. 28, a total of 10 businesses — a majority of them hair salons/barber shops and fitness centers — have been granted an exemption to operate after their safety plans were approved, according to ASG documents, which also show that four of the businesses are awaiting a Certificate of Approval from DoH in order to re-open.

The documents also show that four businesses have completed their first inspection, with the second inspection to be scheduled soon; while two other businesses were on the schedule for inspection on Mar. 29.

Samoa News points out that a masking requirement is posted on doors of all businesses open to the public, but there have been reports of customers not complying with social distancing inside businesses — especially stores — despite efforts by employees.

The governor’s current declaration, effective Mar. 15 to Apr. 13 identified activities and businesses prohibited from opening — such as gyms and fitness centers; hair salons and barbershops; and recreational facilities that are open to the public

It also states that requests for exceptions should be made by submitting a site safety plan to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) email — [email protected] — or call 699-3800 extension 116. And if an exemption is granted, the EOC will provide the business with a sign that summarizes the exception that was granted.