Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “Social distancing is required at all times during in-person classes” for schools and colleges in American Samoa, according to Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga’s new COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, dated July 26 and effective for 30-days, until Aug. 26.

This is the only new provision added to the declaration released yesterday morning by the Governor’s Office, and the new declaration extending the public health emergency in the territory allows in-person classes. Parents have been waiting to see if there would be any changes to in-person classes as students prepare to return to classroom for the start of the new school year later next month into early September.

“At least we have this advance notice that in-person classes are allowed,” said one parent, whose children are attending summer education programs provided by the local Education Department. “Like other parents that I’ve spoken to, I’m hoping that this protocol will remain in place when public schools start on Sept. 6.”

Samoa News notes that private schools plan to start their new school year next month and parents are hoping that the government will make an advance announcement if there are any changes to in-person classes by that time.

The new declaration reiterates the previous requirements for in-person classes such as all students 5 years old or older as well as teachers and school personnel at the school compounds during in-person learning must show evidence of full vaccination.

Mask use is required at all times during in-person classes, according to the declaration, which states that additional requirements may be issued by school administrations depending on the situation at each school.

For child care facilities, the requirements also remain the same, in that they may open so long as children who are five years or older show evidence of full vaccination as well as all employees and that mask use is required at all times, except while eating or drinking.

Working parents — especially those employed in the private sector —  are pleased that the new declaration continues to allow child care centers to be open, which is a great help for them while they are at work.

BUSINESSES

While there are no longer restrictions imposed on operating hours for businesses, the declaration does state that: “Nothing in this declaration shall limit the authority of any private business or organization, including any medical home care facility from imposing additional restrictions necessary to protect its employees and customers and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

This also means, according to ASG officials, that “if a private business — especially stores — requires customers to wear masks before entering, than that requirement must be complied with, as there have been reports of customers refusing to following mask-wearing requirements imposed by stores.”

It’s noted in the declaration, under subsection “VILLAGES” that: “Nothing in this order affects the authority of village councils to enact regulations imposing curfews or restricting public gatherings” pursuant to local law.

Samoa News notes that some stores have queried as to why some villages are telling them to close by a certain time, when there are no longer restrictions on business hours operations. Samoa News has pointed them to this provision of the declaration and this provision has been included in previous declarations.

ASG officials who spoke with Samoa News this week remind all businesses that with the territory in a State of Emergency, “price gouging is prohibited” and this is clearly stated in the new and previous declarations. “We are still getting allegations from customers on price gouging,” said one ASG official, who noted that such complaints should be directed to the Consumer Protection Bureau of the Attorney General’s Office. ‘

According to the declaration, all violations of this provision of the law “will be prosecuted vigorously to the full extent of the law” and that the Attorney General is authorized to request justification from any business deemed to have substantially increased its prices during this health emergency period.

ENTERING THE TERRITORY

The declaration re-emphasized current entry requirements for which travelers “must” register on the ASG’s TALOFAPass websystem and that registration must take place 5-days prior to entering the territory from Samoa and 14-days prior to entry from any other location.  And travelers must show proof of full vaccination if they are 5 years or older.

Maintained in the new declaration, is a provision for the requirement saying that requests for “vaccine accommodations for medical condition or a sincerely held religious belief may be made on forms approved” by the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR) — who is Talauega Eleasalo Va’alele Ale, the Lieutenant Governor.

Requests for accommodation must be received at least 14-days before travel. To request a form for vaccine accommodations, contact the Governor’s Office at — covidtravel@go.as.gov - or call (684) 633-4121. (Samoa News notes that the form is also available on the ASG main website www.americansamoa.gov ).

All other entry requirements, such as isolation if testing positive upon arrival remain in place.

OTHER ISSUES

The vaccine mandate for ASG employees to work for the government as well as the requirement of a booster shot for certain first-responders and other protocols remain in place under the new declaration

Click on attachment to download full text of the Emergency Declaration.