US: State of emergency extended in American Samoa through June 1 /update 1

Event

On Saturday, May 2, American Samoa authorities extended the current state of emergency introduced due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through Monday, June 1. The extension allows authorities to implement their testing plan in order to make further decisions regarding measures. Current restrictions that will be extended include social distancing protocols, a ban on public gatherings, and the closing of all schools. Business hours are restricted between 06:00 and 18:00 (local time). As of May 2, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the territory.

A suspension on issuing travel permits remains in place until further notice except for returning residents with valid immigration identification or Immigration Board approval. Hawaiian Airlines is currently scheduled to resume flights to Honolulu from June 1; however, inter-Samoa flights remain suspended.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

•  Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.