FEMA team departing the territory today

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Government is confident they can continue efforts to battle COVID-19 without the U.S Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) representatives who will depart the territory this Thursday — today.

This was the response by Dr Elizabeth Lauvao of the Department of Health to FEMA reps and the CDC rep leaving — with their missions completed.

She further noted they know that when they require assistance they can always reach out to the Federal Government; adding that since the numbers of COVID cases are decreasing, the DOH is comfortable to take over the mission.

“And if there is a surge the DOH is ready and they know what to do in collaboration with the epidemiologists.

 “There is a process that we follow through and if the numbers increase we just need to write a letter to Allison to bring them back to assist us; but as of now the DoH is comfortable to take over the mission,” reiterated Dr Lauvao. 

The U.S Federal Emergency Management Agency representative Allison Pfaendler will depart American Samoa upon the completion of their “vaccine operations testing operations and health and public awareness communications.”

During the press conference with the media on Monday, Pfaendler said the FEMA team consisting of 18 contractors will leave, but they will continue to provide virtual support on FEMA grant projects and Army Corps of Engineering technical assistance to help the LBJ hospital.

 “Over the last three months the Federal Medical response team [….] and team personnel integrated with the Department of Health to provide vaccines to over 12,000 people in American Samoa at four vaccination sites.

“And that team provided over 1,600 treatments to people who contracted COVID and sought treatment.”

Adding that FEMA’s public assistance, obligated over $6.2 million to American Samoa Government agencies.

 “Not only is the Federal Medical Response team finishing their efforts but also the CDC Senior Health Communicator completes her mission today.”

According to Pfaendler the CDC Senior Health Communicator has updated the DoH Covid-19 electronic billboards; updated the poster for the School setting with Covid safe messaging and provided CDC graphic and messaging for future DOH use.

 “I will continue to urge those who are sick with COVID to go to Leone, Amouli or Tafuna to get tested and if you are eligible please consider getting treatments at the Tafuna site.

 “Also COVID is spiking in the mainland and the flights from Hawaii to American Samoa are increasing so it’s important to remain diligent in delegated measures getting your vaccine, wearing your mask and socially distancing.”

She said for folks who have not received their first, second or booster doses of the vaccine, the DoH will continue to operate those vaccine sites and this vaccine will help mitigate any effects of COVID, in the event that you contract now or five months from now.

And to the families that have experienced COVID related death as mentioned earlier, she pointed out that FEMA continues to accept applications for funeral assistance and it’s about a 20-minute call.

Pfaendler said from the minute she stepped off the plane and boarded the colorful bus, she understood why others say “American Samoa calls to them”.

She will be returning to serve American Samoa in the future.

Lt. Governor Talauega thanked Pfaendler and the FEMA Management for their assistance rendered during these difficult times.

Adding that gone are the early days in March when it seemed like the end would never come and now here they are counting single digits of positivity numbers.

“And you are still here helping us, guiding us through this process so we appreciate your participation and your cooperation,” the Lt. Gov. said.

Talauega further thanked all other Federal officials that have already departed American Samoa including epidemiologists who came down to advise and help American Samoa along the way.

“We could not have done this without the support and participation of our federal partners and it's always a good reminder to the people of American Samoa that we don't stand alone and that we are part of the American Family,” said Talauega.

A farewell ceremony will be held today for Pfaendler.