July 5, 2022
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—The COVID-19 Task Force of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has announced the intended dates for regularly scheduled repatriation flights for the month of July 2022. Additionally, the Secretary of the Department of Health & Social Affairs has completed a proposed Permanent Regulation Implementing Public Law 22-134 (i.e. the Healthy Border Protection Act).
For the State of Yap, it is the intention of the FSM and Yap State Task Forces to implement a repatriation flight from the U.S. Territory of Guam to Yap on July 6th.
For the State of Chuuk, it is the intention of the FSM and Chuuk State Task Forces to implement a repatriation flight from Guam to Chuuk on July 11th.
For the State of Pohnpei, it is the intention of the FSM and Pohnpei State Task Forces to implement a repatriation flight from Guam to Pohnpei on July 16th.
For the State of Kosrae, it is the intention of the FSM and Kosrae State Task Forces to implement a
repatriation flight from Guam to Kosrae on July 18th. The most recent repatriation flight to Kosrae arrived on July 4th.
For the month of July, the pre-quarantine period in Guam will be reduced to three (3) days. Repatriating persons aged five (5) years old and above must possess documentary evidence that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Repatriating persons must receive a negative PCR test result during their pre-quarantine period.
It remains the intention of the FSM National Government to open the Nation’s borders on August 1st, 2022, which is implemented through Public Law 22-134 i.e. the Healthy Border Protection Act. A copy of the law may be found here: https://gov.fm/files/PL_No__22-134_Healthy_Border_Protection_Act_2022.pdf
In order to implement the Healthy Border Protection Act, the Department of Health & Social Affairs has completed a proposed regulation, which is summarized below and can be found here: https://gov.fm/files/Public_Notice-_Proposed_Health_Regulation_to_Implement_Public_Law_22-134.pdf
A person entering the FSM from August 1st and onwards is required to be fully vaccinated and boosted (if eligible) with a COVID-19 vaccine approved, or granted emergency use authorization, by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration or the World Health Organization.
To be fully vaccinated, fourteen days (14) must have lapsed since a person’s last dose of the COVID-19 primary vaccination series.
A booster dose is required for adults, if eligible, aged eighteen (18) and older. To be eligible for a booster dose, five (5) months or more should have lapsed since a person’s last dose of the COVID-19 primary vaccination series.
Any person traveling to the FSM would be required to be tested negative by a PCR-based test within 72 hours prior to entry into the FSM. Facemasks for all persons aged three (3) years old and above are required during travel.
Any person traveling to the FSM would be required to complete an FSM COVID-19 Health Clearance Declaration Form, which would include information inclusive of a person’s exposure to persons with COVID-19, one’s contraction or infection of COVID-19, any medical treatment for COVID-19 received and/or related quarantine, and COVID-19 testing results.
Upon arrival into the FSM, a person would be subject to stay at home and wear a mask for five (5) days. If a person has no symptoms, then restriction of movement is lifted after the five-day waiting period. If symptoms are developed, a person would be mandated to visit their nearest Test-to-Treat Center.
Domestic travel will be permitted from August 1st and onwards on any aircraft and sea vessel, regardless of whether they are a domestic carrier or an international commercial carrier.
The text above summarizes some of the most relevant content of the proposed regulation which, crucially, remains open for public review and comment. The FSM National Government encourages citizens, residents, and other stakeholders to provide their comments. Persons wishing to formally comment on the regulation are advised to relay their feedback to health@fsmhealth.fm or in written submission to Marcus H. Samo, Secretary, Department of Health & Social Affairs, PO Box PS-70, Palikir, Pohnpei, FM 96941.
