Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of a negative test is required for persons entering any government owned or lease building, under Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga’s new COVID-19 Emergency Declaration, which was effective at 12:01 a.m. until May 13.

This is the only major amendment to the latest declaration, which points out that “our understanding of COVID-19 has evolved as we have learned more about the disease ad new variants of COVID-19 have come into existence.”

The declaration encourages people to get tested for COVID-19 so they can be treated if it is medically appropriate and also encourages people to get vaccinated, including a booster shot to reduce the severity of the disease if they become infected.

ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

“No person shall be admitted to a government owned or leased building without showing proof of full vaccination or evidence of a negative test within the last 24 hours,” the new declaration states.

It also says that unvaccinated persons without proof of a negative test may enter government facilities only for the purpose of receiving emergency medical care, COVID testing or COVID vaccination.

Additionally, departments, agencies, and offices shall post signs at all entry points informing the public of the masking and entry requirements.

This subsection does not apply to employees who are going to their place of employment in accordance with accommodations outlined in the declaration.

GOVERNMENT WORKERS

In the previous declaration, it “mandates” booster shots for certain first responders — essential workers who are eligible and not exempted — with the deadline by Apr. 13.

Under the new declaration, proof of booster vaccine is extended, and to be provided by “May 13, 2022” to the Human Resources director for the Executive Branch or they shall be placed on leave in accordance with other provisions of the declaration, which have been in place since last December.

Employees who have been granted an exception and accommodations — according to provisions of the declaration — are exempt from receiving a booster but their accommodations should be reassessed due to the current community spread of the virus.

A booster mandate for certain first responders and essential workers who are eligible and not exempted shall include: healthcare workers; police officers; firefighters; emergency medical technicians; and employees who work at the Territorial Correctional Facility, and the Juvenile Detention Center.

The extension is also given to LBJ Medical Center to “immediately adopt a policy mandating that all eligible employees” at the hospital receive the booster shot no later than May 13, 2022 — unless they have been granted an exception due to disability, pursuant to the federal Americans with Disability Act, or a valid medical reason or because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice or observance.

CURFEW

Curfew is maintained from 9p.m. nighty to 4:30a.m. the next day. Also maintained is that buses and taxies may operate 24-hours a day — with mask use required; and gas stations may resume normal hours.

There was speculation by businesses owners that the new declaration would lift some restrictions. But instead, operating hours for other businesses remain at the closing time of 8p.m. (open at 5a.m.) The exemption is for businesses providing medical or emergency services or an exception granted by the lieutenant governor through the Emergency Operations Center in writing.

PUBLIC GATHERINGS

And there are no changes to public gatherings, as speculated by many in the community. Outdoor public gatherings are allowed if: no more than 20 people are present, mask use is required and social-distancing is maintained.

For indoor public gatherings — no more than 10 people are allowed to be present, mask use is required, as is social distancing, and gatherings are required to be held in a well-ventilated place.

ASG officials say these restrictions also apply to church gatherings and funerals — as in the previous declaration.

WORKPLACE

The new declaration maintains that employers maintain minimal on-site staffing and the use of remote work to the maximum extent possible “is encouraged”. It outlines precautions to be taken by employers — both public and private — to protect their workers and customers.

For restaurants, there are no changes: dine-in is prohibited; take-out only is allowed.

The declaration identified activities and businesses to be prohibited from opening — bars; bingo; child care facilities; gyms and fitness centers; hair salons and barbershops; movie theaters; outdoor fund raising activities; and recreational facilities that are open to the public

Requests for exceptions should be made by submitting a site safety plan to the Emergency Operations Center email — eoc.opschief@asdhs.as.gov — or call 699-3800 extension 116.

Furthermore, schools and colleges remained close for in-person classes. And all classes shall be conducted remotely.

Samoa News notes that ASG officials have said that in-person classes for school in Manu’a — where it’s COVID free — have reopened.

All other restrictions from the previous declaration, such as entry into American Samoa and mandate for wearing masks inside any public building open to the public remain in place.

Click on attachment below to download a copy of the new declaration dated Apr. 12.