Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Due to the global coronavirus threat, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has extended for 30-days his original State of Emergency Declaration, in which effective Monday, Mar. 23rd, American Samoa is placed under “Code Blue”, the new three color-coded system, he says will help the territory meet the threat level.

“Code Blue” is the lower level threat with no confirmed COVID-19 cases.

However, this threat level, according to the governor’s extended order, means all public gatherings — including bingo halls, theaters and traditional gatherings, “are suspended” while ASG departments are required to stagger working hours for workers, and bars and night clubs are imposed with certain restrictions, including the number of patrons or customers who can be in attendance.

Under the extended order issued yesterday and effective until Apr. 17th, the governor said the measles outbreak — which resulted in the original emergency declaration — ended Mar. 20th and the containment measures have proven effective.

However, American Samoa’s “efforts must now focus on preventing, containing, and responding to the imminent threat posed by COVID-19 pandemic,” he said and declared that effective Monday, Mar. 23rd, all entry permits remain suspended until further notice.

He went on to explain that American Samoa’s “response will be guided by a color-coded system to meet the changing threat level” and that these “restrictions will be initiated to the full extent possible but also may be subject to alternation as more information becomes available.”

The order explains the three color-code system:

•     Code Blue — minimal social disruption with an emphasis on social distance, hygiene and cough etiquette

•     Code Yellow — with one confirmed case in American Samoa, this code will continue restrictions to slow the spread of the disease within the territory

•     Code Red — in the event of severe spread of the disease locally, major protective measures will be enforced.

“The public is advised that current threat level is Code Blue,” the governor said noting that any changes in the Code level will be announced at such times necessary.

Under “Code Blue” all ASG departments are to stagger staffing coverage and use a 4-day workweek for employees — 10 hours per day — to ensure sufficient coverage but limited interpersonal exposure.

Additionally, “all public gatherings are suspended until further notice.” This includes, but is not limited to, bingo hall, rallies, political events, theaters, traditional gatherings, parks and recreation areas, flight night gatherings and major sponsored events.

“Only private family gatherings of no more than 10 people will be permitted,” the governor ordered, adding that the Department of Public Safety is tasked with ensuring that public gatherings disperse and that failure to obey this restriction will be prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor under local law.

Furthermore, all businesses “will only be allowed to operate from 6a.m to 6p.m but restaurants, bars and night clubs will be limited to no more than 10-person occupancy. Businesses are also encouraged to keep their facilities sanitized.

According to the governor, all travelers from COVID-19 affected foreign countries “will be on full quarantine on arrival” while travelers from affected US states “will be subject to screening and quarantine” at the discretion of Health Department physicians.

However, quarantine will not be imposed on COVID-19 workers from affected states and foreign countries. (Samoa News notes that as of yesterday the US government reports that all states and the Washington D.C. have confirmed cases.)

Also under Code Blue, US citizens and US nationals who are local residents and legal local residents are to show proof of American Samoa residency through local ID, hospital ID, or utility bill. Proof of residency will exempt them from the OK Board process.

The governor also ordered that all OK Board requests are to be routed to the Attorney General’s Office with approval authority vested with the Attorney General, who if off island, all requests will be reviewed and approved by the governor.

Other issues under Code Blue:

•     public is encouraged to avoid touching the face, thoroughly wash hands with soap for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer of more than 70%.

•     unnecessary travel to affected foreign countries and states is discouraged.

•     social distancing methods are to be encouraged such as video conferencing, phone calls, emails for communication

•     all off-island medical referrals to New Zealand are suspended but option will be considered only for medical emergencies at the discretion of LBJ physicians.

•     visitation to the Territorial Correctional Facility will be closed.

•     Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways will be restricted to 2 flights per day.

The governor orders that restrictions on “Hazard Pay” in local regulations are suspended and the Human Resources director is tasked with developing a policy to compensate medical personnel, first responders, and all ASG employees that face increased risk and exposure associated with their duties.

Furthermore, the maximum grant of 4-hours for Excused Absence, under ASG regulation, is suspended and the DHR director is tasked to develop a policy to compensate all ASG personnel that are under quarantine or unable to attend work for reasons related to the restrictions imposed.

Lolo also orders that the Immigration board will temporarily suspend its hearings functions relating to P5 immigrant applicants for emergency technical assistance to combat COVID-19. The AG is tasked with reviewing and deciding on these applications and in her absence from the territory the governor will review and render decisions on such requests.

The governor notes that the COVID-19 response “is a multi-departmental effort” and each restriction put into place is for the protection of public health. He said cooperation and compliance is necessary to prevent and slow down this disease.

DoH and DPS “will be tasked with coordinating enforcement to ensure the utmost compliance,” he said.

Samoa News will report tomorrow on the higher Code color threats and the rest of the details from the governor’s extended order.