Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — At this week’s COVID-19 Task Force meeting the Medicaid director announced that starting with the January 27 flight, all non-residents wishing to travel to American Samoa will NOT be eligible for Medicaid services while the HR director confirms that more than half of the workforce has presented proof of full vaccination.

In a press release issued by the task force, Medicaid director Sandra King-Young said, “People who do not live here or aren’t legal permanent residents, will have to pay for their own covid-19 tests in Hawaii.” She went on to clarify that COVID-19 tests in quarantine are covered by the American Samoa Department of Health. However, Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management Director Lisa Tuato’o commented that FEMA funding may be available to cover COVID-19 test costs not eligible under Medicaid.

Attorney General Fainuulelei Alailima Utu asked for special consideration for employees to include doctors, lawyers, and other contractors needed to fill essential positions in the government.

ASG VACCINATION COVERAGE

Department of Human Resources Director Lynn Pulou-Alaimalo provided updates on ASG workforce that have provided proof of vaccinations to the Department of Human Resources ahead of the January 14 mandate deadline. Out of a total of 5,071 ASG Executive branch employees, 3,199 have provided proof of full vaccination, 142 have provided proof of one shot, 70 have no shots, and 36 have requested exemptions. 1,603 are still pending vaccination records from various agencies.

The Lt Gov Talauega Eleasalo Va’alele Ale, who is also the task force chair, and the Governor’s Chief of Staff Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola reiterated that the onus is on Directors of their respective departments and offices to obtain records of vaccination statuses and encourage immunization for the safety of their staff and community.

In addition, Talauega clarified that semi-autonomous entities fall under the discretion of their respective employers and that the report from the DHR Director only covers ASG executive branch employees subject to the mandate.

QUARANTINE UPDATES

Quarantine lead Dr Elizabeth Lauvao presented proposed quarantine plans for the upcoming January 6 flight, which includes 7-day quarantine upon arrival at 3 quarantine sites. This is the proposed schedule for the Task Force to consider over the next several months until more evidence and data is known on the Omicron variant that has become the dominant variant in countries around the globe.

ASG Hawaii Deputy Director Suafa’asisina Pulou provided updates on the upcoming flight and shared that over 300 have since registered on the Talofa Pass system and that their first swab results were due yesterday (Tuesday). A more accurate count of approved travelers will be arrived at as the departure date is approached.

LOCAL VACCINATION UPDATES

DOH Epidemiologist Dr Aifili John Tufa provided updates on the Territory’s mass vaccination efforts by providing an overview of testing inventory. The current inventory reports a total of 31,499 tests available and a significant reduction in tests conducted per week due to the few weeks break in large commercial flights and regularly scheduled Apia flights. A total of 17 positive cases have been detected in American Samoa that includes 11 imported cases and 6 border (seaport) cases.

Additional pediatric doses for the Pfizer vaccine were received around Christmas to address the 5-11 year olds population that have shown significant turnout in the past month. In the month of December alone, over 7,586 doses were administered making December one of the most successful turnouts since March and the fourth highest of the year.

To date, for the vaccination coverage at schools (public and private enrollment), 76.6% have at least one dose, 48% are fully vaccinated, 27.7% are awaiting second shots, and 23.4% have no shots.In terms of vaccination coverage (entire population), 79.5% have at least one dose, 69.3% are fully vaccinated, 11.9% have no shots, and 8.6% are ineligible (under 5 years old).

VISITOR FROM HAWAII

Lt Gov Talauega welcomed special guest Chief of Staff to Hawaii State Senator Kurt Fevella, Mrs. Elizabeth Tatofi Tavake who is visiting the Territory to learn more about the American Samoa Government’s COVID-19 Task Force and Emergency Operation Center (EOC) response and efforts.

(Source: ASG COVID-19 Task Force press release)