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First regular HA flight postponed —rescheduled Sept. 13 — maybe

Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo Ale
Medicaid flights are still confirmed for Aug 5th and 12th
compiled by Samoa News staff

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — While rumors have been flying about a delay in the first Hawaiian Air-managed flight in almost a year and half, a press release from the COVID-19 task force is now confirming the August 26th flight — the first flight in phase two of the government’s repatriation plan — has been postponed tentatively to September 13.

In the Task Force meeting this past Monday, the Chairman confirmed that the recent August 26th flight has been postponed tentatively to September 13th due to a variety of factors including a surge in cases across the USA from the now prominent delta variant, the “TALOFA Pass” still undergoing the procurement process, and the need for frontline workers to recuperate after consecutive repatriation flights since February.

 “With the first phase (repatriation) of the government efforts now complete, it is important that we take a pause and carefully decide on the best courses of action forward as we enter the second phase of travel to and from American Samoa. We also have a lot of work left to do with our vaccination push.” 

The Chair of the Task Force further stated that in between all of the repatriation efforts over the past 7 months, requests continue to be brought to the Task Force at both the airport and seaport that includes “STOP N GO” refueling flights, special chartered missions from Federal agencies, and special skill employee requests to include guest workers. All of which have added to the workload of the government, including the medical community that has been combating the public health crises since the Measles outbreak in late 2019.  

The Department of Health Director Motusa Nua reports that close to 1800 individuals have been processed through the past 8 repatriation flights from Hawaii. Largely due to its travel restrictions that include rigorous testing and quarantine requirements, American Samoa remains one of a handful of places around the world that is COVID-19 free. 

VACCINATION UPDATES

The Department of Health provided quick COVID-19 stats: To date, a total of 55,019 doses have been administered in American Samoa for 28,400 individuals with at least one dose and 1,561 that are past due for a second shot. With regard to the coverage by age range, the 21-30 age range group continues to prove the most difficult with only 56.5% having one shot and 49.6% fully vaccinated. 

As for coverage of the total population, 59.9% have at least one dose, 53.1% are fully vaccinated, 18.1% have no shots yet, and 22.1% are ineligible. Vaccination coverage by village shows a few villages on the western side of the island under 49% and a larger number of eastern villages within 35 - 49% coverage rate.

There have been 196 million cases worldwide and 4.2 million deaths. Within the Pacific region, Fiji in the last 72 hours reported 2916 new cases and 14 deaths. In French Polynesia, 412 cases and 2 deaths. The data in the Pacific region continues to support evidence that countries with higher rates of vaccinations report a lower incidence of cases and deaths.

REPAT 8.0 & AUGUST MEDICAID FLIGHTS

Approximately 137 fully vaccinated residents and 2 service dogs were discharged from Tradewinds and Fatuoaiga quarantine sites on Monday pending results of their negative COVID-19 tests and the remaining 100+ unvaccinated or partial vaccinated residents are to be discharged Wednesday. 

The August Medicaid flights are still confirmed for Thursday August 5th and Thursday August 12th with the potential of additional outbound only flights depending on the demand. Please contact the Medicaid office for further questions and inquiries.

The COVID-19 Task Force says it will keep the public informed on future developments and updates regarding the September 13th flight and thanks the public for their continued support and patience.

Approximately 137 fully vaccinated residents and 2 service dogs were discharged from Tradewinds and Fatuoaiga quarantine sites on Monday pending results of their negative COVID-19 tests and the remaining 100+ unvaccinated or partial vaccinated residents are to be discharged Wednesday. 

The August Medicaid flights are still confirmed for Thursday August 5th and Thursday August 12th with the potential of additional outbound only flights depending on the demand. Please contact the Medicaid office for further questions and inquiries.

The COVID-19 Task Force says it will keep the public informed on future developments and updates regarding the September 13th flight and thanks the public for their continued support and patience.