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Another revised travel advisory for Tonga and Samoa; Lady Naomi

Dept. of Health logo
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In another revised travel advisory dated Feb. 5th, the Health Department made adjustments to travel requirements for US passport holders and American Samoa residents “transiting” through Tonga to the territory, while today’s MV Lady Naomi sail was suspended due to American Samoa’s entry requirements.

The advisory update, which was released Tuesday night and “effective immediately”, also gives DoH the discretion to review and approve “entry permit provisions for essential services” — for both government and private sector.

LATEST DoH UPDATE

Regarding “Flights from Tonga,” DoH has imposed a new required health clearance, mandating all travelers including US passport holders and American Samoa permanent residents “transiting” through Tonga to show: proof of MMR vaccination 14 days before entry; spend 14 days in Tonga; and acquire a health exam ONLY from the Tonga Ministry of Heath (MOH) 3 days before entry.

It further states that “US passport holders and American Samoa residents returning from Tonga will NOT be required to stay in Samoa for 14 days and acquire a health exam.”

Under its Feb. 3rd advisory, DoH said all travelers, including US passport holders and American Samoa permanent residents entering the territory from Tonga on Talofa Airways are required to route through Samoa.

For “Flights from Samoa”, DoH says all travelers including US passport holders and American Samoa permanent residents “transiting” through Samoa must show proof of MMR vaccination 14 days before entry; spend 14 days in Samoa; and acquire a health exam ONLY from the Samoa Ministry of Heath 3 days before entry.”

Additionally, “US passport holders and American Samoa residents returning from Samoa will NOT be required to stay in Samoa for 14 days and acquire a health exam.”

The ever changing entry policy for American Samoa has prompted the Samoa government owned Samoa Shipping Corporation to issue a public notice Tuesday (American Samoa time) — on social media — canceling today’s MV Lady Naomi sail from Apia.

According to the notice, the cancelation is due to “new travel conditions” released by DoH’s public service announcement (PSA) to combat the spread of the coronavirus in the territory. And the travel conditions come with the suspension of all OK Board, and entry permits and transit permits for foreign nationals entering American Samoa, until further notice.

The vessel’s local agent, Polynesian Shipping, yesterday morning put out a notice regarding today’s cancellation of the MV Lady Naomi trip.

Samoa News points out that the Feb. 3rd DoH advisory, or PSA, provides — among other things — updates on required documents to obtain DoH health clearance for entry permits and US nationals OK Board. (See yesterday’s Samoa News for details.)

However, the governor’s Jan. 29th order — extending the measles outbreak state of emergency declaration and imposing measures to counter the coronavirus — does state in part that “All OK board, entry permit waivers and transit permits for foreign nationals are suspended until further notice”.

Furthermore, all non-US passport holders must go through the entry permit process to travel to American Samoa and the entry permits are subject to a 30-day review process.  (See Samoa News Jan. 30th edition for details).

OTHER ENTRY MEASURES

DoH’s Feb. 5th advisory reiterated required documents for DoH health clearance for entry permits and US Nationals OK Board — as cited under the Feb. 3rd advisory. DoH emphasizes that all entry permits will adhere to the 30-day processing period.

It also notes that “Entry permits for essential services — i.e. healthcare workers and engineers — from government and private sector will be given special provisions from the 30-day processing requirement and MUST acquire a health clearance from Samoa MOH or Tonga MOH 3 days before entry.”

MMR VACCINATION SITES

DoH continues its vaccination program, and parents needing transportation to the clinics are to contact 633-5871/5972 or 699-6380.
Vaccination sites:
• Tafuna Health Center Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
• Fagaalu Well Baby Clinic  Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
• Amouli Clinic Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
• DHSS-WIC office (for adults only) Monday-Friday 8am-2pm

The governor in past cabinet briefings, has stressed to DoH the need to get all children and students vaccinated with the required doses.