Strengthening our response to COVID-19

written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director
As we prepare for more repatriation flights into the territory, it is important to adopt practices that will help to strengthen our response to COVID-19. Although American Samoa is the only U.S. Territory that no confirmed case of COVID, it is critical to strengthen our prevention approach.  Being prepared is the best way to combat the virus. When we adopt safety measures it becomes second nature. It is important our community recognize the world that we live in today is changing because of COVID. Our children will grow up wearing masks, staying 6 feet away, and it is highly unlikely these practices will change. We must move with the times.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide the following tips to protect your home from Covid-19, because it can spread anywhere. It is highly likely if one person in your household is diagnosed with COVID-19, it can spread to other members in the household. CDC defines a household as anyone who currently lives in and shares common spaces. Family members who do not currently live with you (i.e. students at college), are considered part of different households.

When you leave your home remember that you have a chance of being exposed to COVID and bringing it back home. When you share a space it is important to do the following. Wash your hands when you enter the home. Clean and disinfect surfaces in shared spaces and avoid sharing personal household items. This means not sharing dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils or towels with other people in your home. Wash items thoroughly after using. CDC is encouraging vaccination as well. Recognize that these methods may not stop Covid-19 from spreading your home, but they are the best well known attempts to stop COVID-19 at this time.

Remember that as we begin to open our borders, the best way to safeguard yourself is to learn about current practices. If you would like to learn more, visit CDC Website for more information.
Disclaimer: The Alliance was funded through the CARES Act to Prevent COVID-19 by disseminating educational information to victims of domestic violence and programs on precautions to prevent, contain or mitigate COVID-19 and other respiratory illness.

Each month the Alliance information provided with be adapted from federal agencies and/or local public health departments