PALIKIR, Pohnpei—Following a recent routine repatriation flight for stranded citizens and residents into the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Government of the State of Kosrae has informed the FSM National Government that two positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified, and isolated. The cases are isolated and do not pose a public health threat to citizens in Kosrae’s communities. As a result, the cases are identified as “border cases.”
The two individuals identified are physically segregated from the forty (40) returning residents in Kosrae State’s ninth repatriation group. They remain isolated from the general public. Both individuals are broadly considered asymptomatic, though one has reported slight fatigue.
As a precaution, the Kosrae State Government intends for all repatriating persons in the current group to undergo a minimum of fourteen (14) days of quarantine. A follow-up COVID-19 test will be administered at that time.
The FSM National Government, in partnership with the Kosrae State Government, urges the public to continue to remain calm, complete their COVID-19 vaccinations, and acquire booster doses in order to further Kosrae and the rest of the FSM’s protection against the negative impacts of COVID-19.
“It’s not a surprise that we will eventually get cases of COVID-19 into our country,” His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the FSM, said in a statement. “First, let us collectively show our appreciation to the first responders who have successfully ensured these cases are isolated. Secondly, let us collectively remind ourselves of the urgency of becoming vaccinated against COVID-19. We cannot keep our borders closed forever, and I am committed to fully opening our borders, inclusive of returning persons requiring only a vaccine and a negative COVID-19 test, in August 2022. We remain to this day, in our communities, COVID-19 free—but it is by being vaccinated that we will become COVID-19 protected.”
