Author name: PIO

On May 2, 2020, Pohnpei State Director of Health and Social Services, Mr. Wincener David, Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force Chairperson, Dr. Marcelle Gallen, and Lab Supervisor Maopa Raikabula received COVID-19 Test Kit related supplies from U.S. Embassy DCM Heather Coble, Defense Attache’ Lt. Col. Erin Richter and Operations Coordinator SMSgt Jody L. Robey. The supplies included 200 Non-Re-Breather Masks, WHO GenXpert Test Kits, GenXpert Calibration Check, WHO VTMS (Virus Transport Media Swab), and SeraCare GenXpert Reference Kit. Kalanghan to the U.S. Embassy for your continued support of Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts. #Enginkehlap

A patrol boat (FSS Independence) carrying 16 crew and 8 passengers originating from Yap via Chuuk arrived in Pohnpei on Friday, May 1 2020. Before the Medical Health team had an opportunity to screen the crew and passengers, a situation developed. This is to inform the general public that as of 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 2, 2020, FSM National Police arrived armed at the Maritime Surveillance Port, breached security and quarantine, and removed 11 of the 24 individuals from the vessel without Medical authorization. The current whereabouts of the 11 removed individuals are unknown at this time.  They are being asked to immediately present themselves to the current designated quarantine site at China Star in Dekehtik.  Their families and any people who have come in contact with them are being requested to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days at home due to the possible risk of exposure.  The general public is also requested to NOT have any contact with these people and their families or anyone they came in contact with.  The 11 individuals are as follows: Kayvin Yarotailug Jon Jovi Jim Wyner Manuel Mohammad Kutty Jefferson Teruo Augustine Mathias Dorothy Ann Inchin Manex Kumos TJ Shirai Punathon Robert Mayson Fredrick Should anyone who came in contact with these individuals develop symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough, sore throat, or fever, they are strongly urged to call 320-3109.  Should any of the identified individuals or anyone who came in contact with them present to the Pohnpei State Hospital, Genesis, community dispensaries, or any health facilities, health care workers are advised to immediately inform relevant authorities and call 320-3109. Despite these two FSM states currently being COVID-19 free and in accordance with the current Pohnpei Constitutional Emergency Order, the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services has established medical screening protocols for all incoming passengers via air or sea, which include quarantine.  Around April 21 – 23, 2020, Yap State reported a PUI death due to symptoms consistent with COVID-19.  Tests of the person indicated negative results, however, it was reported that testing was only 70 percent accurate.  It has also been reported that vessels continue to visit outer islands of other FSM states without appropriate medical screening. This information is provided to safeguard the public. The public is further informed that the above individuals are not confirmed COVID-19 cases, but may pose a high risk to the public since they have not been adequately screened using proper medical protocols.  

Chinese Government contributes $20,000 to Pohnpei’s COVID-19 Response Efforts   H.E. Huang Zheng, Chinese Ambassador to FSM, met with T.H. Reed B. Oliver to handover $20,000 for Pohnpei’s COVID response efforts Governor Oliver receives a $20,000 check from H.E. Ambassador Huang Zheng Peilapalap, April 28, 2020: Governor Reed B. Oliver received a donation of $20,000 from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.  Chinese Ambassador, H.E. Huang Zheng, presented the check to Governor Oliver in the Governor’s Cabinet room.   In his remarks, Ambassador Zheng spoke of 31 years of friendship with the people of Pohnpei and FSM, based on the bedrock of the One-China policy.  Ambassador shared the Chinese Government’s position of leaving no one left behind during the COVID19 crisis, and updated the Governor and staff on COVID19 cases in China, stating that there have been no new locally transmitted cases in China recently.  Ambassador Zheng ended his remarks by saying that a friend in need is a friend indeed and that we can count on China as a friend, especially when we are in need.  Governor Oliver thanked Ambassador and the People’s Republic of China for their generous contribution to the people of Pohnpei, saying, “Words are not sufficient to thank you”.  He noted the many projects that have benefited the people of Pohnpei through Chinese development assistance including the much-anticipated project of renovating the Pohnpei State Government Administration Building.  A separate donation of USD 100,000 was made from the Chinese Embassy to the FSM National Government from the China-Pacific Island Country Cooperation Fund against COVID-19. Pohnpei State will also be able to access a portion of these funds from the FSM National Government. The funds will be used to purchase supplies and equipment to help Pohnpei fight the spread of COVID19.  Also present from the Pohnpei State Government was Lieutenant Governor Feliciano M. Perman, Chief of Staff Mrs. Suzanne Lowe Gallen, Director of Treasury and Administration Ms. Christina Elinei who received the check from Governor to be deposited in the state’s COVID19 account, Director of Health and Social Services Mr. Wincener David, Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force Chairperson Dr. Marcelle Gallen, External Assistance Coordinator Ms. Shirley Ligohr, and other staff from the Office of the Governor.   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Please refer to the posted document for the official statement from the Governor’s Office and COVID-19 Task Force on the FIFTH suspected COVID-19 case identified in Pohnpei FSM with NEGATIVE test results. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we do our best to disseminate factual and relevant information on a timely basis. Please remain calm and remember, currently there are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pohnpei. A Pohnpeian version of the official statement will soon follow. Kalahngan. Fifth PUI-Negative

Joint Task Force meeting with National COVID-19 Task Force – On April 20, 2020, members of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force met with the National COVID-Task Force at the DECEM conference room in Palikir.  The purpose of the meeting was to discuss FSM Congressional resolution 21-38 and how Pohnpei State can support this resolution.  The resolution extends President Panuelo’s Public Health Emergency Declaration and introduces new measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in FSM. Among the issues discussed were social distancing, returning Micare referral residents, fishing vessels, cargo ships, and interstate travel.  The State Task Force presented their concerns around these issues, with accompanying solutions to ensure harmony with the Congressional resolution and the National Task Force. National Task Force Chairman and Secretary of Health and Social Affairs, Dr. Livinson Taulung thanked the Pohnpei State Task Force for bringing their concerns up and started the meeting by saying  “we’ll do the listening”.  He reassured the Pohnpei State Task Force that the National Government is committed to working with the states for the good of all our people. Representing the State National Task Force was Task Force Chair, Dr. Marcelle Gallen, Governor’s Chief of Staff, Mrs. Suzanne L. Gallen, Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director, Mr. Henry Susaia, Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) Seaport Manager, Mr. Baron Mendiola, and Human Resource Manager, Mr. Zorro Donre, Department of Health and Social Services Director, Mr. Wincener David, Task Force Medical Adviser, Dr. Rodney Itaki and Dr. Padwick Gallen.   Joint Leadership meeting with 10th Pohnpei State Legislature – On April 21, Senators from the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature (PSL) met with Governor Oliver, his cabinet, and the Pohnpei COVID-19 Task Force at the Governor’s conference room. The purpose of the meeting was to update the 10th PSL on Pohnpei’s COVID-19 response efforts, answer any questions the Senators may have on our efforts and to seek Legislature’s continued support. The Task Force and Governor Oliver provided the Senators an overview of all the actions taken since Constitutional Emergency Order 20-01 was signed on March 11, 2020, placing Pohnpei in a state of emergency and each amendment made.  The third and latest amendment was discussed in detail.  Governor Oliver explained that due to a shark bite injury in Oroluk and because Pohnpeian Observers on ships were in danger of being returned to COVID19 infected countries, the third amendment was signed to address these unique situations.    Governor Oliver wanted the Senators to understand that as we hold the line for Pohnpei with precautionary measures, we are buying time until the global situation calms or a vaccine is developed.  While we buy time, we will strengthen our infrastructure and build our capacity with the legislature’s continued support.  The State Task Force members also shared the concerns presented the previous day at the Joint Task Force meeting in Palikir.   Everyone agreed that the state, national, and municipal governments must continue to coordinate and align their efforts to protect our people. IT (Information Technology) Steering Committee meeting: On Wednesday, April 22, 2020, IT specialists from the State and National Governments met at the Governor’s conference room the first Pohnpei State IT Steering Committee meeting during the Oliver/Perman administration. The IT experts used this first session to brainstorm ideas on networking, fiber optic cable, emails, and faster internet speeds.  The IT Steering Committee will be working with the Governor’s Chief of Staff and Budget Consultant, Mr. Kelly Keller, to draft and implement a state IT policy that will ensure uniformity.  Chairing the committee is Mr. Kanoberson Asher, IT Manager for Pohnpei Community Health Clinic (Kolonia Dispensary). Zoom Teleconference with President Panuelo and State Governors: On Wednesday, April 22, Lieutenant Governor Perman participated in a zoom teleconference with President Panuelo, and the Governors of Yap, Chuuk, and Kosrae. The leaders discussed Congressional resolution 21-138, the President’s recent extension of the national Public Health Emergency and social distancing.  Pohnpei State will submit per the President’s request health advisories, precautions and plans in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in their respective state.  The zoom conference was a great opportunity to share information and harmonize with the national and state governments. Pohnpei Consumer Organization (PCO) meeting with Governor: On Wednesday, April 22, 2020, Governor Oliver met with Mr. Henry Phillip from the Pohnpei Consumer’s Organization (PCO). Phillip is the President of the organization and wanted to share his concerns about persons with disabilities during the COVID19 crisis.  Mr. Phillip noted that persons with disabilities are at higher risk of contracting COVID19 due to barriers accessing information, reliance on physical contact, and respiratory conditions caused by certain impairments.   The Pohnpei Consumer Organization protects and promotes the human, civil and legal rights of individuals with disabilities through the provision of information and advocacy. The Pohnpei Consumer Organization supports people and Disabled People’s Organizations through all four sister States of Micronesia (Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Yap).