Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Since the reopening of schools in Manu’a with in-classroom instruction, Education Department deputy director, Dr. Roxanne Salave’a said “student attendance has been very low.”

But school leaders are being advised to contact parents to find out how the local Education Department (ASDOE) “can further accommodate those students,” she said during Monday’s virtual news conference giving an update on the status of public schools, in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions.

Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo V. Ale explained that schools reopened in the island group “because there has not yet been a community spread in Manu’a and we like things to remain as positive, and as usual in Manu’a” unlike Tutuila island, with the continued community transmission.

“Many teachers have raised concerns about reopening of schools in Manu’a,” he said and asked teachers to discuss these issues with ASDOE, and “make sure that you are available to perform the duties that you have been asked to do — and that is to teach. Teach our students to make sure they’re prepared for the world after COVID is over.”

Last Friday, senators approved a Senate Resolution requesting the government to continue virtual classes in Manu’a until such a time as COVID-19 testing is carried out in the island group. The non-binding resolution is sponsored by Manu’a Sens. Malaepule Saite Moliga, Tauiliili Paopao Lauifi and Ma’o Gogo.

Advance media questions submitted prior to Monday’s news conference, included queries about Manu’a schools as well as the Senate resolution. Talauega responded that he had not seen the measure — at the time of the news conference — and didn’t know what the resolution says.

He reiterated that the idea behind in-class instruction is that there’s no community spread in Manu’a. And that the “minute we confirm the community spread in Manu’a we will execute appropriate measures to make sure the community is protected.”

He declared, “As long as Manu’a is COVID free we want to have operations in Manu’a continue, so that we can still provide services to our people in Manu’a and the education of our children is important.”

“Studies have shown that online education has had a negative impact across the country on students in the mainland and that will happen too in American Samoa,” he pointed out.

Talauega, who is also the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR) said the ASDOE director and leadership have deemed it necessary to continue in-classroom instructions for Manu’a schools as long as there’s no confirmed community spread.

He called on Manu’a leaders and teachers for their support of the Education director’s decision and for teachers to make sure that the students of Manu’a are educated. “Make sure that they get the lessons-live and in-person, instead of through a computer,” he said.

Talauega, who is also the COVID-19 Task Force chair, commended the Education director and ASDOE leadership for plans already in place for the reopening of schools on Tutuila, based on review and approval by DoH and the task force as well as ASG leaders — depending on the condition of the community spread of the deadly virus.

“Critical and it’s important, that we do not have another lost school year due to COVID. I know that we can do this. I know because it’s been proven all over the United States,” he said.

“We just need to work together — members of the Fono, and the community — and make sure that we provide our students the best education that we can offer at this point,” he said.

During the ASDOE presentation, Dr. Salave’a gave an update on the devices ordered by the department for virtual learning saying that 1,500 have arrived but according to last week’s report from ASDOE technical team, the Procurement Office officials who are responsible for releasing the equipment have tested COVID positive.

“So that will further delay the receipt of these devices for distribution to the schools,” said Dr. Salave’a noting that ASDOE continues to work in collaboration with DoH for safe and healthy protocols pertaining to all public schools.

MANU’A TRAVEL PLAN

DoH acting director for clinical service, Dr. Elizabeth Lauvao reminded the public of current policy that all travelers to and from Manu’a are required to be tested before traveling. Only those testing negative are allowed to travel and individuals testing positive must complete a home isolation directive for 14-days.

According to Dr. Lauvao, DoH continues to encourage Manu’a residents to get tested if the person shows flu-like symptoms. Additionally, testing and treatment supplies are being shipped to the island group. Furthermore, COVID vaccination is available in Manu’a.

“We’re really keeping an eye on Manu’a. We’re also working with ASDOE in case teachers want to get tested,” she said, and reiterated that Manu’a remains COVID free so far.