Health authorities continue to stress that immunization is the best protection against measles and parents are urged to make sure their children have received their MMR shots.
Epedimiologist at the Department of Health Dr. Aifili John Tufa said at this stage we do not have a measles outbreak, and only when there is a locally sourced measles case will one be declared.
Play Audio
The Tafuna Community Health Center is open until 8 pam Monday to Friday and from 8am to noon on Saturdays.
The Fagaalu Well Baby Clinic which is also administering MMR vacinnations is open from 8am to 6 pm Monday to Friday
For any questions call the DOH hotlines 633- 5871 0r 633-5872.
Regarding the new requirements for travelers from Samoa and Tonga, Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua says an immunization card for children and a letter from a doctor verifying that the traveler has been immunized or has immunity from measles would suffice for adults.
He said for residents who travel to Samoa and Tonga, if they show any symptoms of measles they would be quarantined at their homes and this could take up to 7 days.
Chief Immigration Officer Peseta Dennis Lutu said they had to cancel entry permits for travelers from Samoa which had been issued this morning before the declaration came out. This upset people who had been waiting for their permits. 
He explained that the Immigration Office is now requiring as part of the permit application process to produce proof of immunization such as an immunization card or letter from a doctor certifying that the individual is cleared of measles.
Peseta said their office has reached out to the Office of Samoa’s Consul General for assistance .
The Chief Immigration Officer told KHJ News that passengers arriving on the Lady Naomi’s weekly trip tomorrow morning will have to be checked by the Depart ment of Health team at the wharf .
Samoa Airlines and Talofa Airways said they received the declaration of emergency notice early this afternoon and have advised their offices in Samoa.
Talofa Airways Local Manager Tone Tamalii said that they are advising passengers to make sure they have their immunization records or face being put back on the plane upon arrival here.
Photo: Tafuna Health Center after 4:00pm 11/13/2019
