Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find posted, the full Legislative Resolution 34-20 LD1 amending Constitutional Emergency Order 20-02, signed by the Honorable Ausen T. Lambert, Speaker of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature on June 9, 2020, as follows: “Unless revoked or amended sooner, this Constitutional Emergency Order is valid for a period of sixty (60) days counting from May 11, 2020.” Click the link below to download the PDF file: Leg. Resolution No. 34-20, LD1

SPECIFIC PROCUREMENT NOTICE Federated States of Micronesia Project for Strengthening Public Financial Management Grant No.:          IDA / D324-FM Contract title:    Supply and Installation of a Financial Management Information System (FMIS) RFB No:             FM-DOFA-66242-GO-RFB   The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Project for Strengthening Public Financial Management and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the Supply and Installation of a Financial Management Information System (FMIS) which will be a configurable, COTS (commercial off the shelf) financial management package, to be implemented based on a load-balancing technology using an underlying distributed database architecture supporting one national government and a clustered database for four state governments. For this contract, the Borrower shall process the payments using the Direct Payment disbursement method, as defined in the World Bank’s Disbursement Guidelines for Investment Project Financing, except for those payments, which the contract provides to be made through a letter of credit. The Department of Finance and Administration of the National Government, on behalf of the FSM now invites sealed Bids or encrypted and protected with a password or password-protected bids from eligible Bidders for the Supply, Installation, Integration, Testing and Commissioning of a Financial Management Information System (FMIS) and related Services. The entire turnkey solution will comprise a commercially available configurable off-the-shelf (COTS) financial management information system (FMIS) deployed as a distributed database solution to be accessed discretely by the national and four state governments (Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap) that comprise the Federated States of Micronesia. The National Government is based in the national capital Palikir (located on the island of Pohnpei). The State level governments are based in their on-island capitals. Distances between States and the National Capital are significant – Chuuk 740 km, Kosrae 550 km, and Yap 1700 km. All islands except Kosrae are linked inter-island and therefore internationally by reliable fiber optic cable. Kosrae is planned to be connected by fiber in early 2022. For the National Government, a central server room with multiple servers will be located at the Department of Finance and Administration (DoFA) in Palikir which will provide a replicated/ mirrored or equivalent service for National applications such as FMIS, hereafter referred to as “DoFA Central Servers’ Room”.  This is a centralized managed facility providing oversight and management of all security, network, management, user access, and data management for National FMIS and other national applications, e.g. RMS. The service design of the DoFA Central Servers’ Room is such that it represents effectively a mostly generic Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) resource for any FSM National government application, wherever it may be located in FSM. The FMIS solution is expected to provide each State government with control over on-site management such as data and security, combined with optional off-site highly encrypted data back-up to a physical device (USB stick), a separately provided cloud-based backup storage service either at the DoFA Central Servers’ Room or elsewhere. The National Government and 4 States will each have exclusive ring-fenced access to their own data and be directly responsible to administer user privileges to their specific environment. Where relevant, data may be partitioned in shared infrastructure and according to their responsibilities. The National Government and 4 States will have their own servers for daily in-country and in-State back-up of data.  For States, this data – as noted above – could also be transferred to external devices and stored at a secondary location locally based on a per State back-up policy. For State level service delivery, the FMIS service is self-contained in each State Treasury and is intended to run independently of the National FMIS operations.  Additional services can be provided from the DoFA Central Servers’ Room by-election or upon request. National Government data held at National Field Offices (NFO) will be replicated in real-time or close to real-time to DoFA Central Servers’ Room such that the data is part of a homogeneous distributed database or according to the Supplier’s solution partitioned by island. State data will be replicated between clustered dual servers located within the State IT operations and will not participate in replication to DoFA Central Servers’ in the first implementation. There is nothing in the DoFA Central Servers’ Room or infrastructure design to stop DoFA providing such a State-isolated service if so requested. The policy of the National and State governments is that cloud storage services are not to be used as a method of active FMIS delivery for live operations or disaster recovery. This policy is based upon retaining control of live sovereign data and operations only within the jurisdiction of FSM. The solutions for National and State implementations will require necessary design, configuration and commissioning and testing of the required National and State FMIS application functionality; project management, training, integration support, and other services as described in the Bidding Documents, sufficient to ensure the full operational capacity of the supplied goods and services. The FMIS Operational Acceptance is planned to achieve within eighteen (18) months from the Contract Effective Date. The Bidders shall meet the following minimum qualification criteria to demonstrate their general and specific experience and capabilities to successfully complete the Contract: (a) the Bidder’s net worth for the last three (3) years calculated as the difference between total assets and total liabilities should be positive. In the case of a Joint Venture, each Joint Venture member should meet this requirement; (b) minimum average annual turnover of USD 3 million, calculated as total certified payments received for contracts in progress or completed, within the last three (3) years. In case of a Joint Venture each Joint Venture member should have not less than 25% and at least one JV member not less than50% of the minimum average annual turnover; (c) access to, or availability of, financial resources such as liquid assets, unencumbered real assets, lines of credit, and other financial means in the amount of at least two hundred fifty-thousand US Dollars (USD250,000). In the case of a Joint

Enginkehlap News Excerpts 25-29 May 2020 You can listen to the audio version on V6AH’s Facebook Page at 8 am and 4 pm: Click Here  You can also listen to the Pohnpeian version anytime online:  Enginkehlap News Excerpts After 11 months, construction on the Kahmar Bridge in Nett is complete. A final joint safety inspection is required before opening the bridge for public use.  The Pohnpei State Office of Transportation and Infrastructure will conduct the joint inspection with the FSM Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure and China Railway Construction Company (CRCC).  Additionally, engineering work on the Lukop, Madolenihmw to Kepine, Kitti secondary road project is complete. The next step will be to pave the road. Both projects have been generously funded by the People’s Republic of China and the FSM National Government. With the help of the Madolenihmw and Kitti Municipal Governments, Departments of Health and Social Services, Treasury and Administration, and the Pohnpei Transportation Authority, Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) are currently drawing up plans to rehabilitate the Pohnlangas and Wene Dispensaries. The Department of Public Safety is also helping with coordination and cooperation through the use of their fire trucks to transport water to the dispensary tanks and providing inmates from the Pohnpei rehabilitation center to help with the cleanup of the tanks. The proposed plans include new 1500 gallon water tanks, rehabilitation of plumbing, and new sinks. On May 26, 2020, the Director of Education, Mr. Stanley Etse, updated Governor Oliver and the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force on plans for the next school year 2020-2021.  The plan includes a blend of on-site learning with a limited amount of students in classrooms and distance learning on the internet, as applicable, or home-schooling.  On-site learning will involve dividing up the students into groups and limiting the school days.  Distance learning will involve utilizing the internet and sending lessons by email or uploading on the Department of Education’s website.  Home Schooling will involve delivering lessons to homes.  All plans are in strict compliance with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. Members of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force and the Judiciary & Governmental Operations Committee of the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature met at the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The Task Force representatives updated Senators on the progress of the containment facilities that will be used to quarantine incoming passengers. The visit was made following a public hearing to propose amendments by the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature to the current Constitutional Emergency Order (CEO) 20-02. The proposed amendments are provisions to regulate interstate travel and temporary enforcement measures, including penalties when Pohnpei has a confirmed case of COVID-19. The amendments, submitted under Legislative Resolutions 29-20 and 30-20 are still under review in the ongoing session of Legislature. The public will be updated on any amendments and developments relevant to CEO 20-02. Senators from the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature who visited the MMA included Chairman of Judiciary and Governmental Operations, Senator Jack Harris, Floor Leader McGarry Miguel, Senator Dahker Daniel, Senator Marvin Yamaguchi, Senator Mitaro Simina and Senator Steve Joseph.   Pohnpei State COVID-19 status: Pohnpei State continues to be in a state of emergency and there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19. Quarantine facilities at China Star Hotel continue to hold crew from fishing vessels who have sought emergency disembarkation, in accordance with Pohnpei Constitutional Emergency Order 20-02, and are closely monitored by Health and Security Personnel.  The Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik is under construction with the help of PPA, PTA, PUC, and the U.S. Navy Seabees, and will serve as quarantine and containment center for Pohnpeian residents wishing to return home when the time is right. The Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force is currently working on standard operating procedures (SOP) to allow incoming passengers to disembark in Pohnpei. Pohnpei residents stranded in Hawaii and Guam have been asked to register at the FSM Consulates in preparation for their return home, in small, manageable groups in line with capacity limitations, on dates yet to be determined. The Pohnpei Covid-19 Task Force will be coordinating these efforts with the National Covid-19 Task Force. Because of the numerous unprecedented disembarkations from fishing vessels, as long as fishing vessels are still in operation in Pohnpei ports, the State will not be able to foresee and have the assurance of adequate space in quarantine to bring anyone from Guam, Hawaii or elsewhere.   The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against quarantine co-mingling of individuals from low-risk areas, a category which fishing vessels currently fall under, and individuals from higher risk areas, a category which anyone come from a Covid-infected area would fall under. On Wednesday, May 27, Governor Oliver sent a letter to the Speaker of the 21st FSM Congress, T.H. Wesley W. Simina. The letter expressed Governor Oliver’s concerns over FSM Congressional Resolution 21-138.  The resolution allows fishing vessels to continue operating in Pohnpei waters and as a result, Pohnpei has seen an increase in cases from fishing vessels that require disembarkation and quarantine due to medical and other emergencies.  Governor Oliver requested a temporary halt of fishing activities at least until stranded Micare referral patients and their attendants return home. The Pohnpei Covid-19 Task Force has been provided information on the number, location, and health status of all Pohnpeian resident crew on fishing vessels in the region. The Medical Team has advised that any Pohnpei resident crew wishing to disembark should immediately notify the proper authorities. Since the beginning of the ongoing pandemic, fisheries observers and crew wishing to disembark in Pohnpei and who fall under paragraph 6 of the Constitutional Emergency Order (CEO) have been allowed to disembark in most instances. As of this date, no Pohnpei resident has ever been declined disembarkation On Wednesday, May 27, Chief executives from the local municipal governments and members of local NGO’s were given a presentation by the U Corona Volunteers (UCV) on resiliency and preparedness for COVID-19. Governor Oliver commended UCV’s

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find the latest COVID-19 situation report from the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services, Situation Report No. 15: To download the PDF version:  Situation Report No. 15 Kalanghan.

  This announcement had been made to inform FSM Social Security Monthly beneficiaries who obtain your monthly benefits at the Pohnpei SS Branch Office.  FSM Social Security checks for the month of May 2020 are in the alphabetical first name order.  For those that have your monthly pensions issued at Pohnpei Branch Office, the following are the designated days and the first name letters that all should comply with: May 26:  Tuesday, first name letter A to D May 27:  Wednesday, first name letter E to K May 28:  Thursday, first name letter L to P And on May 29:  Friday, first name letter Q to Z For those who have your monthly pensions issued at Banks, Post Office and other Institutions will be available on May 29, Friday at the respective Institutions mentioned above. Kindly observe and respect the pre-cautions for COVID-19 so that distribution days will go smoothly and peacefully. Thank you all. Pakair sang FSM Social Security, Pohnpei Branch ong koaros me kin ketiki sapwelimawmail imwin sounpwong ni Ohpis wet, (General Delivery) Pohnpei Branch.  Patodahn check en imwin sounpwong en May pahn tepida wiawi Ni Are, May 26, 2020 oh pahn imwisekla Ni Alem May 29, 2020.   Patodahn check pwukat pahn patohda nin duwen mwohmw me wiawier nan soupwong en March, 2020.   Tepin mwahr de ahd akan kan me pahn doadoak.   Eri iet rahn akan oh tepin mwahr de ahd akan me kosondier:   Ni-Are:  May 26, 2020 – Mesen inting A oh imwsekla D Ni-Esil:  May 27, 2020 – Mesen inting E oh imwsekla K Ni-Epeng: May 28, 2020 – Mesen inting L oh imwsekla P Oh Ni-Alem:  May 29, 2020 – Mesen inting Q oh imwsekla Z   Koaros me kin ketiki nan Posto, nan Bank, Nan Institution teikan pahn ketiki Ni-Alem wasa pwukat me kumwail ketin kelelehdier me iei wasa me kumwail kin kektki ie.   Pwehki Pohnpei eh ketket nan irair en doare soumwahu COVID-19, kongongpen wiawihdahn sapwelmamwail bank account pwehki sahpis en direct deposit me keieu konehng nan ansou apwal wet. Sapwelimamwail imwin sounpwong kan pahn kin inenla de direct deposit nan sapwelimamwail account a kaidehn ni address me pato likin bank account.   Komw pwarodo ansou mwadang ni Ohpis en Social Security oh audehda “Change of Address” oh ketkihdi sapwelimomwi bank account. Ma mie sapwelimomwi iren kalelapak, a komwi wehwehdo pwehki ehu pene en kak mie. Komw kak doadoangki delepwohn nempe 320-2709 de 320-2181 de email address:  pohnpeissa@mail.fm      Kalahngan.   Kalahngan.     Image by cwhrtmnn from Pixabay

Enginkehlap News Excerpts 12-20 for the week of May 18 –  22, 2020 For the Pohnpeian version: Click here to listen. Monday, May 18, 2020, Governor Oliver received a courtesy call from Mr. Shibata Shinji, JICA Micronesia Resident Representative. The purpose of Mr. Shinji’s visit was to bid farewell to Governor Oliver and inform him that his successor has been identified but will not be able to arrive until travel restrictions are lifted to enter Pohnpei.  In the meantime, Mr. Shinji assured Governor Oliver that JICA Micronesia will continue operations manned by three local staff.  Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Shinji and JICA Micronesia for their many years of support to Pohnpei.   Monday, May 18, 2020, Governor Oliver convened a meeting to coordinate the construction and stand up of the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik.  The MMA, when completed, will house quarantine and isolation facilities for those who are returning to Pohnpei from COVID19 infected areas.  The meeting included members of the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force and members of the Governor’s cabinet.  As Chairman for the Ad Hoc sub-committee of the COVID-19 Task Force, Lieutenant Governor Perman will lead coordination efforts to build up the MMA as soon as possible with the help of Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA), Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC), Office of Transporation and Infrastructure, Department of Health and Social Services and Pohnpei Transportation Authority (PTA).    Monday, May 18, 2020, COVID-19 Task Force chairperson, Dr. Marcelle Gallen, joined the US Ambassador to FSM, H.E. Carmen Cantor, and the U.S. Navy Seabees at the Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik.  Dr. Gallen was there to receive the turnover of the latest shower/toilet facilities built by the U.S. Navy Seabees.  The next set of shower/toilet facilities are expected to be completed in two weeks.   Wednesday, May 20, 2020, a joint leadership conference was held between the Executive Branch and the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature (PSL) at the Governor’s conference room.  The purpose of the joint conference was to discuss corporate land leases and other urgent issues.  At the conclusion of the conference, the 10th PSL pledged to work with the Executive Department on standardizing land lease rates for corporate and private businesses.   Wednesday, May 20, 2020, Governor Oliver signed into law, Legislature Bill No. 62-20, which was passed by the 10th Pohnpei State Legislature appropriating an amount of $114,300.00 for the procurement of furniture and basic medical equipment to complete the Dispensary in Saladahk U Municipality.  The needed items will enable the Dispensary to open soon.  A Memo was issued May 21, 2020, from the Governor’s office reminding Departments and Agencies in the Pohnpei State Government of the proper and legal use of Government vehicles.  The memo also designates the Lieutenant Governor to be in charge of vehicle permit requests.  The use of Government vehicles for other than official purposes is prohibited.     On Friday, May 22, 2020, the Pohnpei State COVID-19 Task Force met with representatives from Pohnpei Catholic School and Calvary Christian Academy.  The school representatives came to ask the Task Force for permission to hold limited graduation ceremonies for their students.  They also presented graduation plans that are aligned with Pohnpei State’s advisory on public gatherings.  The Task Force thanked the school representatives for their request and were happy to allow the graduation ceremonies that will follow strict social distancing guidelines in line with Pohnpei State’s advisory on public gatherings. 

Kaselehlie Maingko. Following the temporary closure of borders and extensive travel restrictions imposed by countries because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are aware that some Pohnpei residents are currently stranded in Guam and Hawaii and are eager to return home. The Pohnpei State Government empathizes with these affected individuals particularly in these challenging times and more importantly appreciates their patience while the government takes bold steps to facilitate their quick travel back home. Thank you for your enduring spirits!  Your quick return home and reunification with your families is very important to us. While there is no specific confirmed date yet for your travel back home, we would like to assure you that the Pohnpei State Government is actively working with the National Government and relevant entities to ensure your return home as soon as possible. In the meantime, we would like to encourage all affected and interested persons to kindly contact the nearest FSM Consulate Office (see phone numbers below) if not already done so, to register their Name; Passport Number; Date of birth; Age; Purpose of travel; Original intended travel date back to Pohnpei; Number of people you are traveling with (e.g. as a family), copy of itinerary or flight booking and contact details. This registration list will be used to coordinate flights into Pohnpei with United Airlines, the FSM National Government, and Pohnpei State Government.  Please note that you are still responsible for your own travel costs, i.e. purchasing your own ticket.  You will be required to be tested for COVID-19 before you depart.  Testing will be arranged and paid for by the FSM National Government.  Consulate staff will provide further details on testing when you register.  Upon arrival in Pohnpei, you will also be required to go through the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services protocols for medical screening and mandatory quarantine for a minimum of 14 days in a designated quarantine facility. More information will be provided in due time. For further inquiries, please call below numbers: FSM Consulate General Guam (671) 646-9154 FSM Consulate Office Hawaii (808) 836-4775 Kalahngan and please be safe! Pohnpeian Translation to follow.

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find the latest COVID-19 situation report from the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services, Situation Report No. 11: To download the PDF version:  Click SitRep#11 Kalanghan

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find the latest COVID-19 situation report from the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services, Situation Report No. 10: To download the PDF version, click  SitRep#10 Kaselehlie O Kalanghan

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find the latest COVID-19 situation report from the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services, Situation Report No. 9: To download the PDF version SitRep#9 Kalanghan O Kaselehlie

Kaselehlie Maingko, Please find the latest COVID-19 situation report from the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services. To download the PDF version CLICK HERE. You can also visit the Pohnpei State Department of Health and Social Services website: https://psdhs.fm/   Kalanghan O Kaselehlie

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Please refer to the posted document,  Pohnpei’s Constitutional Emergency Order (CEO) 20-02, signed May 11, 2020, by Governor Reed B. Oliver, declaring and continuing a state of emergency for the state of Pohnpei in response to the continuous and imminent threat of COVID-19. Unless revoked or amended sooner, this Constitutional Emergency Order is valid for a period of thirty (30) days counting from May 10, 2020. You can also download the PDF File: Pohnpei CEO No 20-02  

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).