Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The medical team that traveled on Feb. 1 with the first repatriation group now in quarantine at the Tradewinds Hotel is urging members of the community to trust the process the Task Force and all medical experts are utilizing to make sure the Coronavirus will not enter American Samoa.

In an interviewed with Samoa News this week, Dr. Cecilia Ala’ilima responded to some of the concerns voiced by community members regarding the use of the two testing machines used to test the first repats for COVID-19.

Dr. Ala’ilima said that both testing machines are good and they’re been using both all along during the whole process. She explained that when they test someone and it comes back positive, they have to re-test that person using another machine to confirm the positive result. She said, “This is good because one testing machine is confirming another and we want to make sure they support each other.”

This is the process that was used during the first and second COVID-19 test for all the 159 residents who are quarantined at the Tradewinds Hotel.

The first test was conducted last Wednesday 3 days after the group arrived while the second test was conducted yesterday, which is day 11 since the group arrived.

 “If somebody by chance has the virus, the virus will survive for only ten days unless that person is immune-compromised meaning their immune system is weak,” Dr. Ala’ilima said, adding that, “all our people here have good immune systems and these people have already tested negative during their first test which means [at the time] that they were all good and in stable condition.

“The good news is that no one from the whole group has tested positive for the virus so far and we’re hoping that this will continue until the 14 days quarantine period expires next Tuesday,” she said.

According to Dr. Ala’ilima, this is very important because she wants the public to be assured that they’re taking this matter very seriously — with this first repatriation group quarantined in Hawaii for 10-days and then again once they arrived in American Samoa — they are quarantined for 14 additional days.

 “[The testing] is good for us because it will give us data and more information that I can present to the Task Force in order to tell them what is happening and the strategy that we are using to keep the risk in Hawaii,” she said.

“All the high risk is managed over there [Hawaii] and by the time they come over here, the risk is very small and we can handle that here.”

Dr. Ala’ilima said she really appreciated the welcome everybody gave the repats along the road as they were coming in from the airport. “It’s such a good sign of support from the community,” she said.

“I know that there’s fear out there but I assure you that we’re doing everything to protect our community and to make sure the virus is not coming here,” she concluded.

A few people who are in quarantine shared their experience with Samoa News regarding the period they spent in Honolulu and currently here at the Tradewinds Hotel.

One said, “Our daily message from Rev. Pati Faiai has been motivating. The spiritual songs and the reading of the Bible gives me and my family hope that our Heavenly Father will never forsake us.”

Another one said, “People outside when they pass by — they look up to the rooms and stare at us like we are Zombies, like we’re disgusting. It’s hilarious to see their faces.”

One man said, “Please, remember our whole group in your prayers and also remember some people in quarantine have lost a loved one and are carrying their ashes. We are human beings and we want to be with our families and loved ones.”

SECOND TEST

The second test was conducted this week and all 159 repats tested negative, with the group told yesterday afternoon around 4 p.m.

This was confirmed by several officials from the Department of Public Health, who said this is good news for American Samoa.

Several members in the group contacted Samoa News yesterday afternoon to share the good news. They said that not only had they received their test results, but they will also received clear letters from the department of Health to confirm their situation.

“Everyone is in good condition and our medical team along with everyone working at the site are doing their best to make sure the whole group, along with everyone is safe and protected,” a member of the quarantine group told Samoa News.

The American Samoa COVID-19 Task Force was also briefed of the outcome of the 2nd test yesterday afternoon.

LATEST SHIPMENT OF COVID-19 VACCINES

The House of Representatives received a report this week from the Department of Health (DOH) that a large shipment of COVID-19 arrived last Saturday on the weekly cargo flight with a total of 11,000 doses.

Rep. Titiali’i Kitara Vaiau told representatives that this is good news for all people that didn’t get a chance yet for the first dose. Titialii advised representatives to inform their constituents about the good news and encourage them to get their vaccinations.

According to the DOH, the first dose vaccinations will resume next Wednesday, Feb.17th, 2021.

For the repatriated group in quarantine at the Tradewinds Hotel, DOH advises do not be alarmed if you see quarantined individuals outside on the hotel balconies or walking in the backyard.

With 4 negative COVID-19 tests of the Repat group, 3 in Honolulu and 1 here, they are allowed to take turns walking In the back of the hotel at the pool area. They are required to wear masks and maintain social distancing.

Families are allowed to drop off care packages at the Tradewinds Hotel back gate between 2pm and 5pm, daily.

Make sure your package is labeled with the name of the receiver. All items will be searched at the gate for banned items such as alcohol, cigarettes, pets, illegal substances and/or weapons.

The swimming pool is strictly off limits for the duration of the quarantine. Poolside workout is at 4p.m. Vaccines will be administered on Sunday, Feb. 14th. It’s optional but highly recommended.

A briefing between medical health officials and lawmakers was conducted yesterday afternoon at the Tafuna Health Center to update Fono leaders on the overall plan for the COVID-19.

The chair of the House Health Committee, Rep. Andra Tereisa Samoa informed faipule during yesterday’s house session that this is an opportunity for faipule to ask questions during the briefing so that they will have a good understanding of the government’s preparations for the COVID-19 virus.