On Thursday morning, several members of the community picketed between Lion’s Park and CBT in another protest against the COVID-19 Task Force’s vaccination mandate for government employees.
Section 7 of the emergency declaration for COVID, released late last month, states that government employees are required to have a full course of vaccination and to submit proof to the Department of Human Resources. Failure to comply can result in employees being put on leave and leave without pay.
There are exemptions that are allowed which fall under medical conditions or religious beliefs.
In response to the mandates, community members Feo Lagafuaina and Tanya Ma’o Aab have rallied against the directives and have now held two separate protests. Signs with slogans stating “Your decision affects mine, stop the mandate”, “Freedom to choose” and “I’m not anti-vax, just anti-mandate” could be seen at yesterday’s protest.
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The protestors have also asked that the Task Force remove the TalofaPass portal and
requirements for travelers looking to enter the territory. Another addendum to last month’s declaration was released on June 13th by the Task Force, stating that all travelers must register on TalofaPass before entering the territory.
