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Social Distancing — a must when you’re out and about

People social distancing as they wait to be serviced at Fagaalu Health Dept.
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Social distancing protocol is being observed by a group of people around 8:15a.m yesterday as they were waiting outside of the Health Department’s compound in Fagaalu to get their health card.

Samoa News got a call before 8a.m about the large crowd gathering at this location and the caller even took to social media with concerns over non-compliance with social distancing. As a Samoa News reporter arrived at the scene, it was observed that several others quickly walked away from the site. Also seen at the site were several people not wearing face-masks as recommended by DoH.

It was over the weekend that DoH issued a COVID-19 public health reminder to ensure that the community remains safe as more and more people are out and about — many not complying with social distancing protocol.

Among the reminders from DoH is to “maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more when out in public or at social gatherings of up to 10 people.”

Also wear a mask/ cloth face cover when in public — which is something that is not being done in many locations with many people and Samoa News has observed this many times.

Furthermore, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Clean you hands often, for at least 20 seconds. Use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.

“Avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick, please isolate yourself from others,” said DoH, which also asks the community to familiarize yourself with COVID-19 symptoms so you can quickly identify them once they appear — fever, cough and difficult breathing.

Also stay in touch with family and friends by phone, video chat or email; and to stay home and avoid unnecessary trips out in public.

DoH also announced that the Tafuna Health Center after hours clinics resumed yesterday May 12th and again on May 14th. Leone Health Center has reopened for all usual service as well as the Fagaalu Well Baby and Physical Clinics. Appointments only for the clinics.

Amouli Clinic remains closed until further notice, according to DoH, which has specific details of health reminders also posted on its Facebook page.