A Samoan Quarantine Christmas

Written by: Kathy Fitisone, ASADSV Staff
After many months of closed borders followed by many months of exclusive repatriation flights, we have finally arrived at some sort of normalcy with flights to and from the mainland, albeit not as often or as regular as we are used to but nonetheless, the opportunity to travel exists.  What still remains the same in our fight against COVID-19 is the process of quarantining for a certain period of time before being released out into the general population.
Because the flight schedules are not set in stone and because many possible outcomes could cause the duration of quarantine to be longer than normal, there is the possibility that you may have to spend Christmas in quarantine.  Bah-humbug you may say.  Stop being such a Grinch.  Look on the bright side of things to have a holly, jolly, merry Christmas.

• Turn that Christmas music up – Most of us have smart phones these days and there are tons of selections of Christmas music to listen to.  Find a karaoke app and belt out those holiday tunes.
• Decorate your room – Use your imagination!  Those red and green t-shirts and ie lavalava in your suitcase will add a wonderful Christmas splash to your room décor.
• Go online and watch a Christmas movie or download a Christmas book – Once again, the possibilities are endless.
• Host a virtual party – Send all your friends and family a Zoom link and party the time away.
• Have someone livestream Christmas church service – You’ll feel like you are part of the congregation and won’t have to worry about getting all dressed up.
• Get dressed up!  - Wear your Sunday best on Christmas day!  Wear your PJs and lounge around all day!  It’s Christmas, whatever lights your tree!
• Spend time in silence and prayer – It’s going to be noisy on the outside and you will be busy when you are back to reality.  Take the time to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate.

 
If you must be in quarantine during Christmas, we ask that you make the most of it.  Be thankful you are home.  Many people wish they could be home for the holidays; you are one step closer and we are excited to have you home! 
American Samoa has been extremely fortunate to date to not have experienced the effects of COVID-19 encountered by so many countries throughout the world.  We have seen our government leaders and various Government agencies at the forefront of this battle and they should be commended for putting procedures and policies in place that have allowed us to continue life as normal as possible with very minimal interruptions.  We continue to ask everyone to adhere to the COVID-19 procedures of getting vaccinated and boosted, quarantining, social distancing, wearing a mask, and keeping hands and faces clean.  Also keep abreast of updates from the CDC and the latest news regarding COVID-19.  We as a community must continue to do our part – even if it means quarantining during Christmas. 
Merry Quarantine Christmas and welcome home!  Ia manuia le Kerisimasi, malo le malaga manuia mai!