Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On day 90 since the beginning of community spread of COVID-19 in Feb. 2022 — the territory now has a cumulative total of 6,053 confirmed cases with one new COVID-related death recorded by the Department of Health, a man who was admitted last week Thursday. Coming as soon as July — a mandate for a second booster for entry into the territory.

To date there are 110 active cases, Acting Clinical Director of the Department of Health Dr Elisabeth Lauvao said during the weekly press conference on Monday.

She said the latest data indicated that of the 146 tests conducted on May 22, 2022 four tested positive and five people were released from isolation.

For Manu’a, to date 67 cases have been confirmed with 10 active cases. According to the data 33 cases were recorded for Faleasao; 23 in Ta’u and 11 cases in Ofu.

Regarding vaccinations, Lauvao stated that 93.1% of the public is fully vaccinated. For boosters, 66.8 % have completed their first shot, while only 2.4% have gotten their second shot.

The Acting Clinical Director said the proportion of people over the age of 50 in Manu’a that have received their booster is commendable and that residents on Tutuila Island should follow suit.

In the meantime, there are enough COVID-19 vaccinations available at the vaccine sites. In a breakdown by Dr Lauvao, there are 5,982 Pfizer vaccines for 12 years and older available; 1,720 Pfizer for 5-year olds to 11 and 1,560 Moderna vaccines for adults.

Another issue outlined during Lauvao’s presentation are the latest amendments to passengers entering American Samoa.

Effective June 2, 2022 travelers into the territory will be required to test negative 72 hours before departure and those who travel from outside of the United States, the 72-hour test has to be done in the US prior to departure for American Samoa.

Passengers must be fully vaccinated and starting July 1, 2022 the first dose of the booster will be mandated for those 12 years old and above.

“All travelers will be tested on arrival at Pago Pago International Airport.

“Those who test positive will be transported to ISOLATION for 10 days (5 days supervised, 5 days at home).

“Those who test negative will be instructed to go directly home for self monitoring and daily check-in for 5 days on TalofaPass,” she said.