February 8, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date Released: February 8, 2021 Official Statement: COVID-19 HEALTH ALERT KEY POINTS: – On Saturday, February 6, 2021, FSM Department of Health personnel boarded the MS Chief Mailo, from an FSM National Police vessel to conduct vaccinations on the crew and passengers. – The FSM Health Staff did not follow the established protocols by checking in at the Emergency Operations Center at the Department of Public Safety or Pohnpei Port Authority, instead launching from Mangrove Bay. – Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety Chief Mailo Security team observed three individuals, confirmed as FSM Department of Health personnel, board the MS Chief Mailo without personnel protective equipment (PPE). – Of the three FSM health staff and six FSM National Police observed who approached the MS Chief Mailo, only three have been placed in quarantine. The Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force would like to confirm that as of February 7, 2021, no disembarkation onto Pohnpei from MS Chief Mailo crew or passengers has taken place. On Saturday, February 6, 2021, the Pohnpei State Department of Public Safety Chief Mailo security team observed one FSM Police vessel approach the MS Chief Mailo at anchorage in Pohnpei’s lagoon. The purpose and intent of the visit was to vaccinate the crew and passengers of the MS Chief Mailo. In an email from FSM Task Force Chairman, Dr. Livingston Taulung to Pohnpei State Chairman, Mr. Wincener David, it was noted: “we are moving forward with vaccination today with all the safety requirements to be followed by our Team. The sooner these crews on CM (Chief Mailo) get vaccinated on their 1st dose the sooner they can get their 2nd dose for better Covid coverage and further reduce the conerbed risks. I tend to lean towards the premise that if we vaccinate these individuals here the more likely that our colleagues in Chuuk to accept CM” As observed by the Pohnpei State Public Safety and Health Department staff, there was not a single individual in personal protective equipment (PPE), and very few even had masks on. To reduce the “cornerbed” risks and all risks, Pohnpei State’s established protocol to check-in at the Department of Public Safety then onto the Pohnpei Port Authority to provide the appropriate PPE was not followed this time. The FSM Police vessel with three health staff and six FSM National Police returned to their embarkation point at Mangrove Bay, where Pohnpei State Health and Public Safety personnel then disinfected their gear and vessel. Furthermore, as a safety precaution, it was advised by the Chairman of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force and Dr. Rally Jim to the FSM Department of Health and FSM National Police staff who visited Chief Mailo, that a 7-day quarantine period is recommended since no PPE was used. Although the POSITIVE case onboard the Chief Mailo has been classified as a ‘historical” case, Dr. Rally Jim, Task Force Medical Advisor, and Public Health Chief has advised that minimal risk is still present, until a NEGATIVE test result can be confirmed. The Director of Public Safety, Mr. Patrick Carl, also advised Governor Oliver and the Pohnpei State Task Force that at 12:15 AM on February 7, 2021, FSM Patrol Boat #3 pulled alongside MS Chief Mailo where a young boy was transferred onto the Patrol Boat, presumably the 12-year-old boy from Polowat, Chuuk and left Pohnpei waters. As of February 7, 2021, only three of the nine individuals who visited MS Chief Mailo are in quarantine at the Emergency Medical Unit (formerly China Star) at Dekehtik. The following individuals are requested to return as soon as possible to undergo a 7-day quarantine period: Ansa Albert Antonio Harris Francis Olter Marvin Peter Joanes Sarofalpiy Carter Apaisam The Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force places the health and safety of the people of Pohnpei, all who live in Pohnpei, as an important and sacred responsibility. A list of the above-named individuals has already been submitted to the FSM COVID-19 Task Force for their cooperation and assistance. For credible sources of information on COVID-19, visit: Pohnpei State Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PohnpeiStateGov/ V6AH Radio station/Pohnpei Public Broadcasting Corporation YouTube: Pohnpei State Government website: https://pohnpeistate.gov.fm/ Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services: http://psdhs.fm/ Office of the President, Public Information Office: https://gov.fm/index.php/fsmpio CDC Website: https://www.cdc.gov/…/about/prevention-treatment.html WHO Website: https://www.who.int/…/novel…/advice-for-public ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC: For general information about COVID-19, contact 320-3109, listen to daily updates on V6AH Radio or visit the official Pohnpei State Government Facebook page: Pohnpei State Enginkehlap, or website: www.pohnpeistate.gov.fm.