The Sixth Amended Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID-19, which goes into effect today continues the CODE Blue threat level for the deadly virus but some of the restrictions in place since March have been removed.
The limit of 150 for public gatherings which includes church services has been lifted but they can only be held from 5am to 9pm.
The public is requested and encouraged to continue to practice social distancing including the use of masks at such events. If this restriction is not followed it will be prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor.
The new declaration allows all public and private schools, daycare centers and the American Samoa Community College to reopen and summer school programs are authorized with condition that social distancing is maintained and wearing of face masks is encouraged where advisable.
The opening of schools for the new school year is authorized and day care centers can reopen.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced yesterday that daycare centers subsidized by DHSS will reopen on Monday.
All government employees regardless of age will return to their normal working hours, 40 hours per week or 80 hours per pay period.
The suspension of Hawaiian Airlines flights will remain for another 30 days with reconsideration on August 1st.
Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways flights on the inter-Samoa route are also suspended but reviewed periodically based on the COVID-19 status of both countries.
If emergency needs arise flights will be considered.
Business hours of operation remain at 5am to 9pm except for StarKist Samoa and its direct documented affiliates and water production and oxygen gas production suppliers, which are exempt from the limited business hours.
Travel to foreign countries or US states affected by coronavirus is strongly discourage. Private flights to drop off equipment and supplies will be allowed to land with no one disembarking or to overnight in the territory.
Any occupants for such flights requesting an overnight stay will be subject to the 72 hours COVID-19 testing with negative results, to be provided to DOH prior to arrival.
No private flight will be allowed to land if there is no approved forward plan guaranteeing landing authorization at the next or final destination.
Medical referrals to New Zealand and the United States will be allowed only for emergencies and will be at the discretion of the LBJ Off Island Medical Referral Committee.
The new declaration is in effect for 30 days.
