Coronavirus and travel to American Samoa (updated)

Mar 6, 2020Lifestyle, Travel

UPDATED March 9, 2020

YAY they updated the travel advisory yesterday!!! No more mandatory 14-day quarantine in Hawai`i from the mainland as long as you get a health clearance… which means Ian is coming home on Thursday!!! So excited! But also, really hope we don’t get COVID-19 on the island eeee.


Posted on March 6, 2020

Between the measles epidemic late last year in (western) Samoa and this Coronavirus (COVID-19), American Samoa is on high alert to keep these infectious viruses out of our little island home. Thankfully, I think most people still feel a bit removed from it all because of how remote we are, but hearing the news daily talking about the rapid spread of the virus is starting to heighten safety precautions.

The American Samoa Department of Health just posted this travel advisory intended for American Samoa residents to be aware of the new restrictions on travel outside of the island. Travelers will be required to show documentation of MMR vaccination, a health clearance granted 3 days before travel, and will need to be quarantined in the ports of entry for 14 days prior to arriving into American Samoa. And this advisory includes travel to and from (western) Samoa, all affected US states, and countries. The travel advisory takes effect on Monday, March 9, 2020.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about the travel restrictions. I’m glad to know that we’re looking out for our people, and the safety of our island. On the other hand–and I’m biased–I want it to not take effect until just a week later because my fiance is off-island still and will have to be “quarantined” in Hawai`i for an additional 14 days… so he’s going to miss my birthday! ugly crying I’m so bummed. Plus, this might affect our wedding in Samoa in May… we’ve decided not to react just yet but it’s only a couple of months away now, and most of our family and friends have booked their flights and hotels, so it would absolutely suck super hard if we had to postpone or even cancel because of all the travel restrictions. Trying to keep cool, calm, and collected over here, but thought I would share this on here.

On another note, I was looking through my tumblr archives and found my Le Motu Niu’s Bites that I used to post weekly!

*Niu’s Bites are weekly tidbits of news and information in American Samoa that have been condensed for easy reading. Links to sources. Compiled by Nerelle.

I read through some of them, and was honestly impressed with myself for posting these news updates about the island so consistently even though my schedule at the time was crazy busy still, like who was this over-achieving girl from 5 years ago?! Can I be her?! I feel smashed with work and side projects all the time so… to be determined on whether I’ll attempt this again. But I would really love to!

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Lifestyle Photography

In Loving Memory of Leanne Ferrer

An intimate gathering Fatu Ma Futi beach, in loving memory of Leanne Ferrer —who gave voice to pasefika peoples through...
Lifestyle Sustainable Living

Preparing for #PlasticFreeJuly

One of my goals for 2018 was to strive for a zero waste lifestyle, and I’ve accepted the challenge to...
Culture Lifestyle

How We Help Our Animals (The Fun Way)

Out of love and compassion for our animals, Coconut Mutts and a tribe of animal lovers got together for a...
Moments

Sorry, another one bc I’m kinda obsessed with this

Travel

We made it to Bali! | Day 1 in Uluwatu

We're in Bali, baby!!! Starting with the laid back surfer town of Uluwatu. Clifftop cabin, Suluban beach sunset, and riding...
Moments

Refreshed

Post snorkel and shower face
Moments

Sunny productive and lazy weekends

Installed a new exterior door. Painted our interior doors. Bought coconuts from a road stall. Went SUPing. Snorkeled around the...
Photography

Sessions: Toafā Te‘o Grad Portraits

Quick snaps of this beauty, Toafā Te'o, back in May to commemorate her high school graduation. Congrats Toafā!
Create Lifestyle Sustainable Living

CREATE: DIY Natural Organic Deodorant

My mom always told me, simplicity is beauty. And after all these years, I’m applying that nugget of wisdom to...
Lifestyle Moments

Coco’s Picnic Party

Cheers to Colette! Styled this little picnic party with a couple girlfriends to celebrate Coco's birthday. The night air was...
Lifestyle

Idyllic Beach Camping

It’s been a while since we’ve gone camping, and I couldn't say no when my friends planned a trip to...
Moments

Some days are extra guud

Photography

SESSIONS: Kelley & Alden (+1) almost there

Another session with Kelley and Alden. This glowing mom-to-be is due to give birth any day now, and she's making...
Motherhood

New Mamas Pregnancy Must Haves For Every Trimester

Congratulations to all you mamas out there! This list is one I've compiled for myself as a new mama, and...
Moments

<3
Moments

It's raining right now and I'm making a mental note to self that I need an outdoor shower in my...
Lifestyle

Jones Turns One

Oh Jones. It's always such a wonder when you see a kid go from your friend's baby bump to a...
Culture Lifestyle Meet

Listen: What is Coconut Mutts?

A podcast interview with Kelsey Johnson, who fell head over paws in American Samoa and founded Coconut Mutts to improve...
Moments

Beach camp vibes

Lifestyle Photo Diaries

Quarantine Diaries: Golden hour reflections

Today is the first time I've felt really just crappy since I started home quarantine. It's also day 14, my...