Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As the number of positive cases from the community spread of COVID-19 has remained low over the past two weeks, the COVID-19 Task Force is looking at recommending the of easing more “internal” restrictions, while still maintaining other protocols in place as new diseases are reported in the U.S, according to ASG officials who attended Tuesday’s task force briefing, where the Dept. of Health (DoH) presented its weekly COVID Situation Report.

For the week of June 13 to June 19, the DoH report shows 72 new cases from the 3,150 individuals tested at DoH clinics and LBJ Medical Center, five hospitalizations and no new fatalities relating to COVID.

Additionally, total cumulative count stands at 6,353 positive cases since the outbreak was first reported on Feb. 27, while the overall COVID-19 related deaths remains at 31. Furthermore, there were 102 active cases as of June 19.

LBJ’s report also shows that COVID related fatality remain at 31 and that the cumulative count of COVID hospitalization stands at 112 since the community outbreak was reported in the territory.

According to DoH, the number of positive cases has remained low over the last two weeks and in the Manu’a island group there were no new cases recorded between June 13-19 and there is only one active case in Manu’a, at Ta’u village, for this time period.  Manu’a’s total cumulative count since the first case was recorded there in April stands at 80.

DoH also offered recommendations in its report and presentation to the task force meeting to ease some restrictions, based on the community spread level of the virus. Among the recommendations is removing the 4 hour mandate for funeral services upon the release of the human remains from LBJ for burial service — but to keep the cut-off time to complete all funeral services by 4p.m.

For the MV Lady Naomi carrying passengers on its weekly voyages between the two Samoas, DoH recommended 60 passengers for both outbound and inbound, to start in July and for travelers from Samoa to register on ASG’s TalofaPass websystem, which screens entry into the territory. And arrival passengers on the vessel will be tested at the port.

ASG officials who attended the task force meeting on Tuesday say that discussion on the Lady Naomi as well as recommendations of easing more restrictions “internally” on island, was held as the government prepares for the next COVID-19 Emergency Declaration to be issued next week, after the current one expires on June 27.

Several proposed recommendations were made during the meeting — such as mask use indoors, public gatherings, curfew, work place, travel entry and funerals — and were discussed.

Registration on TalofaPass prior to entering American Samoa is recommended to be maintained, with 14-days prior to travel from Hawaii and 5-days prior to travel from Samoa, with COVID-19 testing upon arrival.

Task force members were advised to provide comments and any other recommendations before the new COVID-19 Emergency Declaration is finalized and release by June 27, according to ASG officials who attended the meeting.

Meanwhile, the TalofaPass help desk team issued a reminder to all travelers to American Samoa that ASG continues to require registration on the TalofaPass system so that the Department of Legal Affairs and DoH “can approve your travel documents and vaccination cards in order to enter” the territory.

“Booster shots are not required but highly encouraged. Pre-travel testing is no longer required, however, the Department of Health will test travelers upon arrival and if they test positive, travelers are subject to government-monitored quarantine. American Samoa continues to control the approval and entry of carriers into the territory,” it says.