Governor Lemanu backs extension of Honolulu quarantine

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Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga fully supports the extension of the quarantine period for those traveling on the first repatriation flight from Honolulu.
As reported on Friday, Acting Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua revealed during his confirmation hearing in the Senate that the flight which was scheduled for January 29 has been moved back February 1st.
This follows the identification of 4 people in quarantine with coronavirus plus one person who may have been exposed to the four.
Lemanu said, “I am in full support of all the necessary measures that the task force must introduce and implement in order to ensure the safety of our returning residents. As a result of identifying these positive cases early on in the quarantine process, it is a testament that the task force’s testing and swift response measures are working as planned.”
The governor pledged he will continue to give the COVID-19 Task Force his full support and provide the necessary resources to “bring our people home safely.”
“I am aware that this extension affects us all mentally and physically, but I ask you to be patient, continue to pray and stay hopeful,” Lemanu appealed.
The decision by the COVID-19 Task Force to extend the quarantine period in Hawaii was to allow the capture of necessary data and to guarantee the isolation of any cases with a larger threat such as the latest COVID-19 strain.
The governor pointed out that our residents are traveling to Hawaii from all across the nation, thus increasing the risk. Therefore, they must be quarantined for two extra days to allow ample time for proper and continuous testing.
“As I mentioned in my repatriation press conference, we need to expect that our task force will carry out its full due diligence in helping to reunite our residents with families and just to come home,” stressed Governor Lemanu.
He continued, “I highly encourage all citizens of American Samoa also to do their due diligence. Educate yourselves on how to prepare yourselves adequately. Get vaccinated, wear a mask, and practice social distancing.”
Some lawmakers are pushing to stop the repatriation flight until more residents are vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine. Senator Satele Galu Satele has been one of the most vocal. He says the only way to keep out the virus is to stop any travelers from the mainland and Hawaii from entering the territory.