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TalofaPass registration a must for entering territory, gov emphasizes

TalofaPass landing page
reporters@samoanews.com

by Fili Sagapolutele

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi has issued an amendment — which became effective yesterday — to his current COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, dated May 27, affecting registration for travelers entering the territory.

And the amendment reflects what was already presented by the Health Department and approved last week by the COVID-19 Task Force, based on advise from the medical community, according to three ASG officials when asked yesterday for comments.

The new amendment re-emphasizes that any person entering the territory must register on the ASG’s TalofaPass websystem (https://talofapass.as.gov). And that registration must take place at least:

•           5 days prior to entering from Samoa; and

•           14 days prior to entering the Territory from any other location.

The amendment stressed that all travelers must show proof of full vaccination for individuals who are five years or older.

It also states that any person traveling from “outside” of the U.S and Samoa must:

•           be in the U.S or Samoa for 72 hours prior to traveling to American Samoa; and

•           show proof of negative COVID-19 PCR test - via TalofaPass - within 72 hours prior to travel. (In other words, upload the negative proof to TalofaPass).

Furthermore, all travelers must submit to COVID testing upon arrival and subject to being placed in isolation if they test positive for COVID-19.

All other provisions of the current declaration remain in effect and valid through June 28.

Health Department said last week that if a traveler is tested positive, the passenger will be isolated at a DoH facility for 5 days and release to home isolation for another 5 days.

If tested negative, travelers will be released to go home and only required to check in to ASG’s TalofaPass websystem 5 days after arrival. And travelers are advised to seek medical attention if feeling symptomatic.