American Samoa

Border between Samoas should remain closed - health officials

Samoa government's closed inter-Samoa flights under the original emergency declaration last month and remained closed under a new extension for 30-days.

American Samoa followed suit on 23 March.

During a briefing of cabinet members on Covid-19, the territory's health director Motusa Tuileama Nua, said the health department recommended a continuation of the closure of the Samoa and American Samoa route, even if Samoa lifted its ban on air service.

Motusa said this action would further protect the territory, which at this point had no Covid-19 cases.

American Samoa sends sample of suspected case

The case is a woman who is being quarantined at home after travelling to New Zealand.

The local resident had already spent 14 days in quarantine in Samoa before arriving in the territory on 14 March.

Department of Health Epidemiologist Aifili Dr John Tufa said two days before she arrived in American Samoa she developed a slight cough.

She had been given a three day health clearance by the Samoa's Ministry of Health.

A few days later she started having breathing problems and called the Department of Health.

American Samoa tightens entry requirements over Covid-19

From Monday, both Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways will each only conduct two flights each day between Samoa and American Samoa instead of the current four.

All charter flights into American Samoa will be denied until further notice.

Talofa Airways' weekly flight between American Samoa and Tonga will also be suspended.

All entry permits have also suspended except for returning residents.

Coronavirus: 3 more in quarantine in American Samoa

The woman travelled via New Zealand, one of the men travelled from Kuwait, and the other man had served as a missionary in France.

Under Department of Health policies, they were expected to spend 14 days in quarantine in Honolulu and obtain a health clearance three days before flying to American Samoa.

Hawaiian Air is supposed to enforce the regulations but the three travellers were allowed to board.

That brings the number of people currently in quarantine at the Leone Health Center to four.

A man arriving from South Korea was taken in last week.

American Samoa won't host Polynesian Leaders Group

American Samoa was to host the inter-governmental meeting involving eight Polynesian members in April.

Originally the territory was to host the event in July 2019 but Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga asked Tuvalu, which hosted the Pacific Forum meeting, to host the PLG alongside the forum.

Lolo had said the territory would step up and host the meeting in January 2020 instead.

However, because of the Samoan measles epidemic, the governor then postponed the meeting until April.

American Samoa backs Samoa Airways on US flights plan

Lolo Moliga has reportedly sent a letter to US President Donald Trump requesting a one year waiver from the cabotage rule to allow Samoa Airways to take passengers from American Samoa to Hawaii and the US mainland.

The cabotage rule currently prohibits a foreign airline from operating direct flights between two US points.

Last year, airline chief executive Tupuivao Alvin Tuala and board member Tuia Paepae Letoa discussed their plans for the US route with American Samoan officials.

Another measles case confirmed in American Samoa

The government said the latest case was a 28-year-old man from Fagaitua village, who has not left American Samoa in the past three months.

A woman, 27, is also thought to have measles, with samples sent to Hawaii for testing.

The territory is under an emergency declaration, with travel restrictions imposed on the territory's border, public gatherings restricted, and a mass vaccination campaign underway.

Earlier this week, the US announced it would provide $US490,000 of funding to help support the territory's efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

2020 Polynesian Leaders meeting postponed

The group, which was established in 2011, consists of independent or self-governing countries or territories within the geographical region of Polynesia.

Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga said because of measles outbreaks in the Pacific, it was prudent to postpone the meeting that was to be held 28-29 January.

In a letter, Lolo said there was "great sensitivity" around the health crisis that might continue into 2020.

The summit is now scheduled for 14-16 April.

American Samoa stops Samoan fishing vessel at border

Under American Samoa's emergency declaration due to the measles epidemic, all vessels entering the territory must obtain prior approval.

Authorities say the alia fishing boat was boarded last Friday and the occupants detained for violating local immigration law.

Homeland Security Director Samana Semo Ve'ave'a said it was important that those entering the territory did so through proper governmental channels.

He said those actions were taken to stop the spread of measles, as well as to prevent human trafficking, drug smuggling and other illegal activities.

 

American Samoa lifts public gathering ban

 

He said he was briefed by health officials and based on that, he had made changes to the public health emergency declaration.

The ban on entry permits has also been lifted but are still subject to restrictions.

The proclamation of amended restriction during the continued public health emergency includes the following:

The restriction on public gatherings is hereby lifted

All entry permits from the Independent State of Samoa will require a 15 day review period while those from other countries will be under review for 30 days