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DoH is now requiring that face masks be worn at all health centers

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Health Director cautions, “be vigilant and … use RELIABLE sources of information”
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — With the continuing rise in coronavirus cases across the U.S, the local Health Department has maintained its stand on keeping the borders closed, while the DoH is requiring — effective today, Dec. 1st —protective face masks for all those who visit its community health centers, according to Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua, in the latest DoH health advisory.

Motusa points out that the department’s primary goal is to protect the health of American Samoa from any imminent health threats and it’s DoH’s intent to keep the community well informed.

“Given the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the United States and… Hawaii, the position of Public Health is to maintain border closure until such a time COVID-19 is no longer a threat to the people of American Samoa,” according to the DoH advisory.

Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines flights between Honolulu and Pago Pago are suspended through Dec. 30th and Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga is expected to release early today, the extended COVID-19 emergency declaration to until the end of this month. The 10th amended declaration ended yesterday — Nov. 30th.

Hawaii Department of Health’s COVID-19 online portal shows that as of last Friday morning the total number of confirmed cases stands at 17,840 while fatalities are at 244.

In the latest health advisory, Motusa announced that effective Dec. 1st, all DoH facilities will require face coverings or masks before entry is allowed. This includes the Community Health Centers at Fagaalu, Tafuna, and Leone.

DoH reminds the public that any information regarding confirmed coronavirus cases in American Samoa will be released by ASG’s COVID-19 Task Force and DoH.

“To minimize panic, stay calm and look for information from these official sources,” according to the advisory. “The best protection for you and your family is to be prepared, be vigilant and ensure you use RELIABLE sources of information.”

DoH points out that it will ensure that the public is notified when there are any advisements or warnings.

It also encourages the community to practice safety precautions to protect themselves from the potential introduction and spread of COVID-19. And this includes wearing a cloth or washable face mask whenever you leave home, practice social distancing and good hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol hand sanitizer.

DoH recommends that each family get three washable face masks per person. Children under the age of 2 are not recommended to wear face masks. “If you are sick with a cough or fever, stay home until you are no longer coughing,” DoH further recommends.

For questions contact DoH Hotline phone number 219.