FSM Information Services
Press Release
Declaration of Public Health Emergency Extended to March 31st, 2021
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—Per Congressional Resolution (C.R.) 21-245, the Declaration of Public Health Emergency originally implemented by His Excellency David W. Panuelo, President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) on January 31st, 2020, has been extended to March 31st, 2021. Citizens interested in reading C.R. 21-245 may find it here: https://gov.fm/files/CR_No__21-245_Extending_the_Presidents_Public_Health_Emergency_Declaration.pdf
For the great bulk of citizens, residents, and stakeholders, including those residing in the FSM and those stranded abroad, C.R. 21-245 offers no change from the status quo of the past several months and is thematically similar to the previously enacted C.R. 21-228, C.R. 21-185, and C.R. 21-175. Economic provisions, such as cargo shipping and at-sea transshipment of fish, remain in place and unaltered. Travel into the FSM remains restricted; outbound travel from the FSM to the United States and other jurisdictions remains open, with the caveat that as of January 26th, 2021, the United States is requiring any individual traveling into its borders (including FSM citizens) to obtain a negative COVID-19 test no more than seventy-two (72) hours prior to departure.
Of the few amendments made to the Declaration of Public Health Emergency via C.R. 21-245, they include that, in the event a case of COVID-19 arrives into the Nation, the FSM COVID-19 Task Force may choose to temporarily halt interstate travel; and that, in the event of a medical emergency, such as an individual on a fishing boat needing immediate medical attention, the FSM COVID-19 Task Force, in consultation with the relevant State Task Force, may allow that individual to disembark into the FSM for this limited purpose.
It is the intent of the FSM National Government to achieve a 70% vaccination rate amongst its eligible population (i.e. adults aged 18 years and up) prior to the resumption of repatriation activities. Per C.R. 21-245, stranded medical patients are given the first priority for return into the Nation.
As of February 1st, 2021, approximately 5,048 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given across the Nation. Approximately ten (10) second doses of the vaccine have been given. 1,072 doses have been administered in Yap State; 1,783 doses have been administered in Chuuk State; 1,675 doses have been administered in Pohnpei State; and 528 doses have been administered in Kosrae State.
As of February 1st, 2021, the FSM remains COVID-19 free. There are no cases of COVID-19 in the country.
Queries regarding the Executive Branch’s execution of C.R. 21-245 can be relayed to the Manager for Environmental Health & Preparedness, Mr. Moses Pretrick, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or at +691-320-8300. Queries may also be relayed to the Public Information Officer/Press Secretary, Mr. Richard Clark, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or +691-320-2548. Citizens may also send a direct message to the Office of the President’s Division of Public Information on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/piofsm/
