ASG moves ahead to control community spread in Manu’a

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Health Department and COVID-19 Task Force’s focus now has moved to controlling the community spread of the coronavirus and making sure that people of Manu’a are tested and treated, says Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo Ale, during Monday’s virus task force news conference, when the news media asked for some details on how the virus arrived in the island group.

The first six positive cases in Manu’a were confirmed on Apr. 27.

The media question on this issue was directed to DoH, but instead Talauega interjected with the response.

“We’re not going to go back and do a CIA or FBI investigation on how the disease got to Manu’a,” was Talauega’s response — referring to the CIA — the U.S Central Intelligence Agency — and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“It’s useless,” he stated.

“We want to focus our attention and our resources on making sure that everybody in Manu’a is vaccinated and they are tested and treated when needed,” said Talauega who is the chair of the task force and the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR).

In a health advisory released over the weekend, DoH announced the community spread on Ta’u Island and explained that a returning traveler tested positive upon arrival at Pago Pago International Airport, indicating possible exposure to Manu’a residents. And this prompted contact-tracing being carried out on Ta’u island, resulting in a total of six positives identified. (See Samoa News edition Monday for details.)

During the news conference, Talauega announced that the governor was to issue an amendment to the current COVID-19 Emergency Declaration — dated Apr. 28 — pertaining specifically for Manu’a.

And by Monday afternoon, the Governor’s Office released the 4-page amendment document, which outlines restrictions on the islands of Ta’u, Ofu and Olosega that include public gatherings, businesses operations and ASG offices. The restrictions are similar to those issued for Tutuila and Aunu’u.

PUBLIC GATHERINGS

According to the amendment document, dated May 2, public gatherings in Manu’a are restricted: For outdoor gatherings — no more than 20 people are allowed to be present, with mask wearing and social distancing observed; and, For indoor gatherings — no more than 10 people are allowed to be present, with mask wearing and social distancing observed and the gathering has to be held in a well-ventilated place.

WORKPLACES

For workplaces in Manu’a, non-essential businesses and non-essential government functions are to be closed for in-person service. However, a single worker may be present at a business location.

Customers are not permitted to enter non-essential business locations.

Additionally, all remote work that does not involve the presence of more than one employee is permitted. Furthermore, outdoor work is permitted so long as workers wear masks and observe social distancing, while outdoor work that involves persons working alone does not require masking.

The amendment also identified “essential businesses and government functions” — such as public safety; emergency management personnel; child protection; healthcare; public utilities including telecommunications; food cultivation, distribution, preparations and sales; transportation; and emergency repairs for homes and other structures to maintain livable conditions.

According to the amendment, employers of those engaged in essential businesses and government functions must take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 — including but not limited to: testing employees for COVID-19; mandating mask use, provide social distancing; and maximizing the ventilation for indoor locations.

Other restrictions, include schools and colleges shall be closed for in-person classes except as approved by the GAR; child daycare facilities shall be closed and bingo is prohibited.

FUNERALS IN MANU’A

The amendment states that funerals must be coordinated through the Emergency Operations Center by contacting [email protected] or (684) 699-3800 Ext: 116.

Attendance is limited to 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors. Indoor funeral gatherings must be in well-ventilated locations, with masking and social distancing observed. No children under five years old are allowed to participate in funeral gatherings.

TRAVEL

According to the amendment, travel to and from the Manu’a islands is prohibited unless permitted by the GAR.

All other restrictions — as outlined in the current COVID-19 declaration for all of American Samoa — remains in place.

Click on attachment below to download amendment to COVID-19 declaration.