The declaration of continued public health emergency has now been extended for another 30 days.
By order of Governor Lolo Moliga today, the current declaration which was to end tomorrow has been extended to March 26, 2020.
The new order states that measles remains a threat to public health as well as the global outbreak of the 2019 Coronavirus.
In addition Novel Coronaviruys presents unique challenges because of the lack of a cure or vaccine and necessitates a flexible response to ensure that the health of the people of American Samoa is protected.
To contain the measles outbreak and the threat of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, the governor has continued the public health emergency initially declared on November 13, 2019 and extended on December 8, 2019, January 6, 2020 and January 29, 2020.
Under the new extension:
All policies from the January 29, 2020 declaration regarding OK Boards, entry permit waivers, and transit permits remain in full effect. The public is again advised that entry permits may be denied even if all documentation is provided due to the current heightened risk.Declaration-Of-Continued-Public-Health-Emergency-2020 DECLARATION-OF-CONTINUED-AND-EXPANDED-PUBLIC-HEALTH-EMERGENCY-Jan-29
Exceptions may be made for necessary health professionals on a case by case basis to assist in efforts to combat the spread of disease.
The Director of the Department of Health is tasked with updated travel advisories with entry, screening and quarantine policies for travelers on an as needed basis.
Each travel advisory is incorporated into this declaration including the February 7, 2020 advisory, and may supersede any previous policy. See link below for February 7 advisory.DOHPSA-2.6.1-1
The public is advised that these policies are to be strictly adhered to in every circumstance to ensure the public’s health and safety. All travelers, regardless of citizenship status are to comply with these advisories.
Quarantine and isolation policies are to be put in place by the Department of Health in consultation with LBJ Medical Center.
The section of the Public Health Act on Quarantine and Isolation is suspended in part for the duration of the public health emergency. DOH is authorized to quarantine and isolate individuals for 14 days without notice.
All other emergency policies currently in effect will remain so until further notice or expiration of this extended public health emergency declaration.
Click here for the February 27, 2020 Declaration of Continued Public Health EmergencyDECLARATION-OF-CONTINUED-PUBLIC-HEALTH-EMERGENCY20200227_12252324
