Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Quarantine “will be imposed” on coronavirus related workers — including US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel — entering the territory, but a mitigation plan will be developed allowing them to conduct their work on the ground.

This is according to a new requirement included in the Governor’s Eighth Amended COVID-19 Declaration, in which the territory remains under Code Blue threat level, as American Samoa remains the only US jurisdiction without a confirmed case.

The amended document, dated Sept. 1st, which continues the COVID-19 declaration for another 30-days — effective Sept. 1st until Sept. 30th — is signed by Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and released by the Governor’s Office just after 12:02 a.m yesterday (Sept. 1st) to cabinet members, news media and others.

The “imminent threat of an outbreak in American Samoa constitutes a disaster justifying a continued state of emergency and activating all resources necessary to combat the spread of COVID-19,” the new amended declaration said and points to the continued spike in the number of cases in the US including Hawaii.

As of 12 noon Aug. 31st, Hawaii health authorities recorded 133 new case bringing the state’s total to 8,472 confirmed infections and the deaths have increased to 70, according to Hawaii Health Department online records.

According to the 8th amended declaration, “sufficient data is now available which validates the fact that Pacific Islanders face greater susceptibility and vulnerability to being infected by the coronavirus and high rate and incidence of death.”

COVID-19 RELATED WORKERS

Under previous declarations, COVID-19 related workers entering the territory weren’t  required to quarantine upon arrival but were monitored by the Health Department for 14-days. However, this is no longer the case.

“For COVID-19 related workers, quarantine WILL be imposed,” according to new provision added to entry restrictions for quarantine. “However,  a mitigation plan will be developed in order for them to carry out their duties. This activity will be monitored by the Department of Health for 14-days.”

It also states that, “For COVID-19 related workers — including FEMA — they will still be quarantined but with a mitigation plan in order for them to conduct their work.” An example of such a plan includes, providing office space with internet connection at the quarantine site, with no contact with the community; and a rental car for them to drive around with a DoH escort in a separate vehicle — for site visits.

This specific requirement comes amid a disagreement between ASG and FEMA over local quarantine requirements of two federal disaster personnel in the past weeks. Without a resolution, FEMA pulled out its ground disaster personnel from American Samoa early this month, as the federal agency works remotely to address local needs.

It also states that all travelers into the territory must provide negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours before arrival and the traveler is required to disclose if he/ she had a positive test result prior to testing negative.

FLIGHTS

•     All Hawaiian Airlines flights remain suspended with reconsideration slated for Oct 1st.

•     Inter-Samoa flights remain suspended and will be continually reviewed, depending on the COVID-19 status in both countries. If emergency needs arise which will require special flights to American Samoa, this option will be considered by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

•     Exemptions remain in place for military flights, including the US Coast Guard, as well as medivac flights, with specific requirements which must be met. For example, the crew staying overnight is required — under current regulations — to get a COVID-19 negative test 72-hours prior to arrival.

PUBLIC GATHERINGS

No changes are made to regulations for all public gatherings, including religious worship — restrictions remain in place: open from 5 a.m to 9 p.m. “Bingo games for fund raising purposes will continue to remain suspended,” it says.

And the public is “requested and encouraged to continue to practice social distancing including use of masks when engaging in these public activities.”

Failure to obey this restriction will be prosecuted as a Class A Misdemeanor.

BUSINESSES

There are no changes to restrictions placed on hours of operations for businesses: open from 5a.m to 9p.m, with social distancing encouraged. Businesses are reminded that under a declared state of emergency “price gouging is prohibited.”

A new provision is added — that the Attorney General is authorized to request justification from any business deemed to have substantially increased its prices during the health emergency period.

All public transportation services will also continue to operate from 5a.m to 9p.m daily except for buses under contract with StarKist, which are exempted from hours of operation restrictions.

OTHER ISSUES

Also maintained in the new amended declaration are provisions of local law and regulations that ‘temporarily suspend’ the ASG Immigration Board hearings as it relates to P5 immigrant applications for “emergency technical assistance to combat COVID-19.”

The Attorney General is tasked with reviewing and deciding on these applications and in the AG’s absence from the territory — the governor will review and render decisions on requests.

The governor has again called for the public’s cooperation and compliance with each restriction put in place for the protection of public health. Furthermore, DoH and Public Safety is tasked with coordinating enforcement to ensure the utmost compliance.