Samoa's borders still open to Am. Samoa

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 09 December 2020, 8:00AM

The Interim Chairman of the National Emergency Operation Centre, Agafili Shem Leo, has assured that the Government has not closed Samoa's borders to American Samoa. 

In fact, Agafili said the flight restrictions between the two Samoas was imposed by the American Samoa last month after reports of a positive COVID19 case in Samoa. 

“Our borders are still opened to Am. Samoa and that has been the decision of Cabinet some three months ago,” he said.

“Their Government is also different from ours and that decision is based on their own requirements resulting to this [flight restriction to the territory].”

The Interim Chairman said the Government is trying its best with negotiations to resume transportation with between the islands not only for citizens but also for goods. 

He said it is being left to the Governor of Am. Samoa and the Government has also explained the circumstances surrounding the positive COVID19 cases.  

The border closure to Samoa was announced by American Samoa's Governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga.

“Governor Lolo, while sympathetic over this regrettable news, he is now taking decisive actions to ensure that we continue to keep American Samoa coronavirus free with the issuance of the order,” he said in a statement at the time. 

“This order will remain in effect until further notice.” 

The flight suspension was in light of the first historical case of covid in Samoa of a sailor that tested positive and subsequently negative. 

The sailor with a 70-year-old who is also a historical case have been discharged from isolation after an extended period in quarantine. 

By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong 09 December 2020, 8:00AM

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