New Emergency Declaration imposes strict limits for entry to Am Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “Entry is limited to residents, family members of residents, and people traveling for business or other approved purpose,” is one new requirement for entering American Samoa, under the new COVID-19 Emergency Declaration dated Sept. 23 and signed by Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo V. Ale — in his capacity as acting governor — and effective yesterday, Sept. 25.

No explanation or information was provided at press time from the Governor’s Office or the COVID-19 Task Force, which is chaired by Talauega, for the reasons behind this new requirement, which is expected to raise questions from future travelers wanting to enter the territory — especially U.S. citizens.

The new declaration eliminates other previous restrictions — which are already public information and announced by the task force — such as COVID-19 testing prior to departure for American Samoa; testing upon arrival in American Samoa and being placed in isolation/quarantine if tested positive.

Also eliminated from the new declaration— which is valid until Oct. 24 — is the requirement from the previous one that: any person traveling from outside of the U.S and Samoa must show proof of negative COVID test within 72 hours prior to travel via TALOFAPass, which is the ASG online travel portal that screens entry into the territory.

However, the declaration keeps in place the mandate that all travelers are still required to register on TALOFAPass at least 10 days prior to entering the territory and must show proof of full vaccination if they are 5 years old or older.

Vaccination is still a requirement for entry into American Samoa for travelers 5 years and older, but exceptions may be granted for medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs. 

A request for vaccination exemption must be received at least 10-days before travel. To request a form for vaccine exemption, contact the Governor’s Office at — [email protected] - or call (684) 633-4121.

Also remaining in place in the new declaration is that anyone entering the territory must wear a mask — in accordance with a provision of the Declaration — while on board an aircraft, boat or ship in transit to the territory.

And the declaration reiterated that the Health Department may issue isolation directives to restrict the movements of people testing COVID-19 positive — in accordance with local law.

MASK USE

The declaration emphasized that proper mask use is one of the most important tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other serious viruses throughout the community.

Therefore, wearing a mask is required for 10 days for any person who has tested positive for COVID-19, and 5 days for those who have made close contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

Additionally, any person who has a cold, flu, fever or other flu-like symptoms including coughing and sneezing is strongly encouraged to wear a mask. The same is also encouraged for any person who has a health condition that makes the individual susceptible to serious ailments from airborne viruses.

It also states that: “Nothing in this Declaration shall limit the authority of any private business or organization including any medical or home-care facility from imposing additional restrictions necessary to protect its employees and customers and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

For example, Samoa News notes that wearing a mask and social distancing is a requirement for anyone entering LBJ Medical Center facilities including its clinics. And several retail stores have signs telling customers that they must wear a mask before entry.

Click on attachment to download full text of the declaration.