Micronesia: Authorities ease COVID-19 measures in Yap State as of Aug. 30 /update 2

Event

Authorities in Yap State have eased entry requirements and local COVID-19 restrictions as of Aug. 30. The government no longer requires quarantine for inbound passengers and lifted capacity caps on flights.

Domestic Measures
Micronesia continues to implement limited measures nationwide amid COVID-19 activity in Pohnpei, Kosrae, and Yap states. The government requires people to wear facemasks in public and adhere to six feet of physical distance in public. Officials also require people that test positive for COVID-19 to remain at home, though the self-quarantine period remains unclear and could vary. Officials continue encouraging people to stay at home except for essential reasons, like purchasing food or attending work.

Businesses are operating. However, reports indicate that staffing shortages have impacted some organizations, making sporadic business or public service disruptions possible.

Interstate travel is possible for fully vaccinated travelers. Officials require a negative rapid antigen test result to travel to Chuuk, the only state without community transmission. Authorities continue to limit flight capacity and frequency to Chuuk State until November. Flights will take place Sept. 6 and 26 and Oct. 12. The Chuuk State government requires all inbound passengers to quarantine for 14 days.

International Travel Restrictions
The government permits entry for fully vaccinated individuals and children under age five, regardless of vaccination status. Arrivals 18 years old or above must also have received a booster dose within five months of the second dose. Exemptions are possible with medical clearance, but officials could seek additional evidence. Almost all travelers must obtain a negative PCR test result within 72 hours before departure; recently recovered cases that test positive can enter if the result has a CT value of 34 or higher and a doctor provides a recovery certificate. Officials will only require recently recovered cases to obtain a negative RAT result within 72 hours of departure if all four Micronesian states have confirmed community COVID-19 transmission. Arrivals must also complete a Health Clearance Form.

Authorities permit limited, essential movements during quarantine; all people in public must always wear a facemask during the quarantine period.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all transport arrangements and required travel documents as a precaution. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays.

Resources

Federated States of Micronesia President's Office
Pohnpei State Governor
Kosrae Public Information Office Facebook
Yap State Government Public Information Service Facebook
Office of the Governor, Chuuk State Facebook