Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Through word of mouth, social media and advertisements, some restaurants have started in-door dining and that has prompted questions from the community since last week as to whether these dine-in places of business are allowed by the COVID-19 Task Force.

Others are pleased and happy — especially restaurant owners and operators — that dine-in services have been granted after weeks of only take-out allowed. And some of these restaurants were in “full swing” — as of late last week — providing dine-in service, with patrons showing up to enjoy sit-down dining.

“Allowing dine-in service not only helps the business itself but also assists in boosting our economy during these challenging times,” said a restaurant operator. “For workers, we can return back to work some of our employees, who have been waiting to return to work.”

Documents from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the COVID-19 Task Force briefing on May 13 show some 28 businesses have been “approved for dine-in services” — and some of the restaurants are the usual popular places on island.

During a task force news conference earlier this month, Lt. Gov. Talauega Eleasalo Ale reminded restaurant owners and operators that advance approval is required from the Task Force before opening up for indoor dining.

Talauega, who is also the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR), said that restaurants need to work with the task force to make sure the restaurant is granted authorization for in-door dining.

He said this “requirement is based on the advice of our medical team, required for those types of gatherings” which occurs in more enclosed or smaller rooms. The other requirement is only 50% of maximum capacity numbers may be permitted entry.

The current COVID-19 Declaration, states in part that restaurants may provide take-out only — while dine-in service is prohibited, “except as approved by the GAR”. Conditions will vary based on the individual factors at each restaurant, however, the minimum requirements for opening include:

•           Dine-in service may only be provided to customers who are five years old or older [and] who show evidence of full vaccination;

•           All restaurant employees must show evidence of full vaccination;

•           Mask use is required at all times except during active eating;

•           Social distancing is required; and,

•           Seating capacity must be limited to 50% of the maximum capacity of the restaurant.

One issue raised recently during the task force briefing, according to an ASG official, is how long the government will allow only fully-vaccinated customers for dine-in services, and whether there should be an exemption allowed for those who are not fully vaccinated to dine-in but in a segregated area of the restaurant.

(Samoa News points out that the virus is also airborne — part of the reason for social distancing and mask wearing. And then there is the issue of ‘sharing’ bathroom facilities, which ties in with why we are asked to wash or sanitize our hands often. )

Another issue is whether to allow restaurants with full bar-service to operate. Among the activities and businesses that are closed and prohibited from opening — under current COVID Emergency Declaration restrictions —Dinning are “bars”.