Greetings, Kaselehlie, Ran annim, Mogethin and Len wo,
As the U.S. Embassy continues to support the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia and its efforts to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to reassure the people of the FSM and American citizens residing in the FSM that my team and I understand how COVID-19 has raised fear and anxiety within our communities. I know these are unnerving times for us all and I wanted to reach out to you and share my thoughts.
In response to the pandemic, the U.S. government made funds available for the FSM to advance their response capabilities.
For example: Our NAVY Seabees built 57 hand washing stations throughout Pohnpei. We have provided technical assistance from CDC and substantial funding assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Interior, just to name a few. We also provided funds to purchase genExpert machines for COVID 19 testing, which will enable the FSM to conduct testing in country.
I would also like to take a moment to remind American citizens residing in the FSM that the U.S. Embassy’s greatest responsibility is protecting U.S. citizens abroad.
If you haven’t already done so, I would like to request American citizens to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for important messages from the Embassy.
We recently sent a message asking American citizens to notify the Embassy if you are thinking of requesting repatriation assistance from the Embassy. Your prompt and complete responses are necessary if you want to ensure assistance.
The Embassy is not sure if or when commercial airlines will resume normal operations. We are also unsure if charter flights will be available.
Please remember to contact KoloniaACS@state.gov for questions related to American Citizen Services. You can also contact us at 691-320-2187. After-hours you may contact the duty phone at 691-920-2369.
Last but not least, I would like to remind everyone to practice precautionary measures by hand-washing and social distancing as our governments, and governments around the world work with public health experts to battle COVID-19.
Remember to check our Embassy website at fm.usembassy.gov and follow our Facebook page at facebook.com/usembassykolonia for additional information.
You can find updated and factual COVID-19 information on the Center for Disease Control’s website at www.cdc.gov.
My team and I are here and stand ready to support you. Let’s work together to slow the spread of COVID 19.
Thank you.