Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — During yesterday morning’s Zoom news conference, Attorney General Fainu'ulelei Falefatu Alailima Utu answered questions and briefed participants on the Code Red threat level that is in place, and the governor’s newest COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, which is effective now through Apr. 1.

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga’s Code Red memorandum dated Mar. 1, states that as of Feb. 27, the COVID-19 risk level Code Red is extended to 12:01a.m on Mar. 8 due to the increase in transmission of COVID-19 within the community.

Responding to a media questions during the news conference, Fainu’ulelei shared that the emergency declaration is effective through Apr. 1, but how long the Code Red status will be in place is a decision the governor and lieutenant governor will make at the appropriate time.

And that could be next week or the week thereafter, and there can be amendments made, based on the advice from the medical community, he said.

Fainu’ulelei, speaking in Samoan, also explained pertinent restrictions under the new declaration, and emphasized the importance of social distancing while in public places where people gather — such as stores.

Also emphasized is the importance of “self quarantine” at home for families during Code Red and only venturing out when necessary, such as getting COVID-19 testing and vaccinations or to the store.

Provisions of the COVID-19 declaration state that families are encouraged to self-quarantine and designate one family member to go to the store.

During the news conference yesterday, Fainu’ulelei explained other restrictions, where only essential businesses are allowed to operate from 5a.m to 4p.m. and gave examples of “non-essential” businesses.

In a Mar. 2 memorandum to his Cabinet, the governor provided additional guidance under Code Red, for “essential business” and “non-essential businesses”. (See Samoa News edition yesterday on the issue.)

The memo provides details on “essential businesses”, which are those that address health, safety, and welfare of residents of the Territory and that it is important that these businesses continue in spite of the risk involved.

At this point, ASG have identified the following as essential businesses:

• Essential government functions — including public safety, first responders, law enforcement, fire prevention and response, military, emergency management personnel, corrections, probation and parole, child protection, child welfare, EMTs, 911 call center employees, vendors that support law enforcement and emergency management operations and services.

• Essential healthcare operations — including hospitals/clinics, laboratory operations, nursing homes, residential health care facilities, assisted living facilities, elder care, medical wholesale and distribution, home health workers and aides, medical supply and equipment providers, medical waste disposal, hazardous waste disposal, other ancillary healthcare services.

• Essential infrastructure — including utilities, power generation, utility poles and components, fuel and transmission, petroleum suppliers and distributors, supply chain companies, telecommunications, electronic security and life safety services, wireless communication, communications sales and customer support, telecommunication and data centers, cybersecurity operations, flood control, operation of water supply, aviation, airports, ports, roads and highways, automotive repair, vehicle rental services, taxi and network providers, freight and transportation infrastructure, public water and waste water, hazardous, hotels and commercial lodging services.

• Agriculture and farms — including food cultivation, livestock, poultry and seafood operations, farmer’s markets, gas, diesel and petroleum suppliers, aquaculture, horticulture, veterinary services.

• Essential retail — including all supermarkets, food and beverage stores, pharmacies, hardware and building materials, gas stations, food providers and restaurants for curb side pick-up, carryout, or delivery for off premises consumption;

• Construction and construction related services that directly support the COVID-19 response;

• Emergency repairs for homes and other structures to maintain livable conditions;

• Laundromats and laundry services shall require masks, enforce social distancing and limit to no more than 10 persons on premises; and

• Other categories may be identified and deemed essential by the Office of the Governor, Health Department, and/or appropriate agency of the government and to be declared as an amendment to the list stated herein.

For questions regarding essential and nonessential businesses you can  email: <ag@la.as.gov>

In the governor’s new declaration, it states that all ASG offices will be closed except for first responders and essential employees. Additionally, directors should implement emergency operations procedures including remote work.