Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Valentine’s Day on Sunday, followed on Monday with Presidents' Day — a local and federal holiday — provides a three-day weekend in American Samoa bringing love and peace to the territory in the midst of a COVID-19 global pandemic as American Samoa remains coronavirus-free.

Gov. Lemanu Peleti Palepoi Sialega Mauga in a Feb. 8th memorandum declared Monday a government holiday, and all ASG offices will be closed with employees getting a day off. Employees required to work, will receive holiday wages in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

“President’s Day is a time to commemorate all who had the distinguished privilege to lead our great nation,” Lemanu said in the memorandum, and he encouraged everyone “to take the time this weekend to celebrate and honor great American presidents who helped shape our democracy.”

“Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend,” the governor concluded.

For ASG workers, it will be an even more joyous and lovely weekend for them. Next week Monday is the government’s pay day, but since it’s a holiday, employees are expecting to get their pay checks today for those getting paper checks while workers getting direct deposit into bank accounts will get it over the weekend.

Adding to the three-day weekend fun, is the just over $10 million total in stimulus checks released Wednesday, giving the local economy a great boost with people expected to be out and about for celebration.

Restaurants are hoping for a big boost in business since its Valentine’s weekend, which this year is helped along with the stimulus money.

Health Department and the government’s COVID-19 Task Force reminds the community of the current mandate of wearing facemasks and observing social distancing. Police will also be out patrolling the community to ensure a safe and happy long-weekend.

Several businesses will be closed on Monday, including the two banks, while StarKist Samoa — the territory’s largest private employer — will be working that day.

In observance of President’s Day, Samoa News will not publish on Monday. Wishing everyone a great Valentine’s Day, a happy long week and always remember — stay safe and be kind to one another.