American Samoa

2Samoa Talks underway in American Samoa

The official opening ceremony of the ‘Atoa o Samoa’ Executive Meeting was held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 after the traditional ava ceremony.

Local media report the talks are focused on fostering and developing economic and social policies.

It is the first time since 2017 that both Governments under new leadership have officially met.

Governor Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga, said both countries were not spared the negative economic and social hardships.

Four passengers test for Covid-19 in American Samoa

The group is in isolation in accordance with local protocol.

American Samoa's Health Department Clinical Service director Dr Elizabeth Lauvao said a total of 240 passengers travelled on the flight and only four adults on the flight tested positive.

Meanwhile, the government's latest update on the community spread of Covid-19 shows that the number of Covid-19-related deaths remains at 31.

And as of June 21st, the total cumulative count of Covid positive cases stands at 6,353 positives since the community outbreak was first reported on February 27.

     

More Covid restrictions lifted in American Samoa

He said these are the four pillars to protect the territory from further surges in the community from other viruses in the future.

Lieutenant Governor, Talauega Eleasalo Ale, marked Tuesday as day 106 since the first case of Covid was detected in the community.

Entry permit into American Samoa from Samoa discussed

He told Radio Polynesia his first meeting with the American Samoa Governor, Lemanu Peleti Mauga, emphasized the fraternal relations between the two Samoas.

Fata said Samoa's relationship with American Samoa is unique and very different from the other countries where it has diplomatic representation.

He said waiving the permit to ensure the Samoan people can enter the territory freely without having to go through the immigration process and with the opening of borders is a priority.

 

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Samoa Airways sends replacement pilots for Manu'a flights to resume

Flights were suspended from Monday of last week after one of the two pilots operating flights to Manu'a tested positive for Covid.

Since the start of the Covid pandemic in 2020 the American Samoa Government has been leasing a Twin Otter with pilots and mechanic support to operate flights to the Manu'a islands.

An airline official in Apia says the delay is because the airline ran short of pilots who are Covid free and/or are still up to date with their flying hours.

American Samoa adapting to surging community spread

The chairman of the Covid 19 Task force, Lieutenant Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale, says Covid is surging in the community and American Samoa must adjust to address the needs of the community.

"We need to move away from mass and indiscriminate lockdown policies and focus on adopting realistic and targetted policies to ensure that our people are able to live their lives safely while ensuring that life-saving services are accessible to our public," Talauega said.

Long delays at American Samoa Covid testing and vax site

The Health Department reported last night that confirm cases stand at 63.

The federal team, which will number more than 50, will include representatives of FEMA, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Health and Human Services, and other federal partners.

The Health Department's Dr Aifili John Tufa said the request for assistance was made right after the first community case was recorded on Monday.

The team will help with vaccinations, treatment of Covid-cases at the Department of Health clinics, training and help supplement medical staff.

American Samoans in 'disbelief' over community Covid-19 cases

A health worker contracted Covid-19 and then infected his family who are based in Leone who attended several gatherings over the weekend including church.

American Samoa is in Code Red - meaning people must stay home, be vaccinated, wear masks and only essential services are open.

RNZ Pacific Correspondent in Monica Miller said there was a lot of panic buying when people found out Monday night.

American Samoa confirms six Covid-19 cases at the border

179 travellers arrived on the January 6 Hawaiian Airlines flight.

Health officials suspect that some of the travellers may have contracted the omicron variant.

Deputy Director of Health Vesi Fautanu said all were removed from the quarantine sites and taken to the alternate care facility in Tafuna., where they are to be quarantined for an extra 14 days.

He said all are fully vaccinated and are doing well.

     

Bodies of men killed in American Samoa will be returned to families in Samoa

The CEO of LBJ hospital Faumuina John Faumuina, informed Attorney General Fainuulelei Ala'ilima Utu that autopsies for Ierome Vili and Fa'asaulala Ahoni have been completed.

Alatina Faleasi's autopsy was carried out yesterday, and the final one for Taumaoe Filipo would be conducted today.

Faumuina also informed the Attorney General that families of the men have been told about the release of their bodies.

All of the victims are citizens of Samoa and families have been waiting to plan their funerals.