A recommendation by the Department of Health to remove the TalofaPass system was on the agenda of the Covid-19 Task Force meeting Tuesday.
Minutes of the meeting indicate that DOH recommended a November 1 date to end TalofaPass, the online registration system for all travelers entering the territory.
Two sources who were present at the meeting said while the recommendation was on the table there was recognition of a need to continue the requirement for all travelers to American Samoa to show proof of vaccination and for some mechanism to identify and monitor cases of new illnesses.
The Chairman of the Task Force, Lt Governor Talauegs Eleasalo Ale has asked members to come up with suggestions to be discussed at their meeting next week on a way forward.
He acknowledged that they are faced with tough but necessary decisions, that their task of protecting the island is achieved but they need to “keep building and making things better for our people.”
Another issue that was discussed is how to reduce the time it takes to collect and clear luggage upon arrival at Pago Pago International Airport on Hawaiian Air.
Those traveling business class and pay higher fares, apparently have no advantage with their luggage upon arrival as all the luggage is mingled with the rest and not separated.
