After more than 2 years of restrictions due to Covid-19, Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga yesterday announced the lifting of the Covid 19 emergency declarations.
The Governor’s announcement referred to a total of 8,264 covid cases of which 8,229 have recovered, and over 85% of American Samoa’s population is fully vaccinated while 91% population have at least one shot.
“As a result of the rigorous efforts of our healthcare workers, American Samoa’s pandemic response has saved thousands of lives,” said the Governor.
It was January of 2020 that covid was included in the emergency declaration that had been in place for the measles outbreak and in March of that year, flights to the territory were halted as part of efforts to keep the covid virus out.
Since that time emergency declarations were continued on a monthly basis up to yesterday.
The number of Covid-19 deaths recorded by the Department of Health is 34.
Governor Lemanu advises that residents and visitors should continue to comply with advisories from the Department of Health.
He acknowledged the collective effort by the community to respond to the covid pandemic.
“Our Covid-19 response would not have been possible without the painstaking efforts of our healthcare heroes, numerous Federal and Territorial partners, and support of the community,” said Lemanu.
A press release from the Governor’s Office says current data suggests that while the virus is still circulating at a very low level, we are still not in the clear. Vaccines, boosters, testing, treatments and other mitigation measures remain available for the continued safety and well-being of the Territory. It is also highly encouraged that the public continue to:
● Wear a mask
● Clean and disinfect
● Clean and wash your hands often with soap and water
● Avoid close contact with someone who is sick
