FSM removes outbound travel restrictions, extends inbound travel prohibitions

Inbound travel restrictions have been extended to Jan. 31 for the Federated States of Micronesia, and all outbound travel restrictions have been removed, according to a newly passed FSM Congressional resolution.

Any FSM citizen or resident may leave the country to travel, but "citizens choosing to leave the FSM at this time do so with the knowledge that a return date cannot be presently confirmed," a news release read. 

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As of Nov. 30, the Federated States of Micronesia remains free of the coronavirus, with no reported cases in Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, or Kosrae. 

According to FSM President David Panuelo, 41 people remain in the government's pre-quarantine facility on Guam for a minimum of 14 days, with anticipated returns to the FSM on Dec. 5. All individuals on Guam have so far tested negative for the virus. 

Upon entry into the FSM, the returning individuals will undergo a 21-day quarantine, which was extended from the 14-day requirement after a request from the Pohnpei COVID-19 task force. 

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Questions regarding the FSM executive branch’s execution of the congressional resolution can be relayed to the manager for environmental health and preparedness, Moses Pretrick, at mpretrick@fsmhealth.fmor or 691-320-8300. People can also contact the public information officer, Richard Clark, at richard.clark@gov.fmor or 691-320-2548. 

This article originally appeared on Pacific Daily News: FSM removes outbound travel restrictions, extends inbound travel prohibitions