American Samoa is under lockdown due to community spread from Covid-19.

Samoa News reported that Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga said the U.S. territory is under a “Code Red” threat level for at least the next week, starting midnight on Feb. 21.

The situation is significant for the U.S. territory that managed for much of the pandemic to prevent any Covid cases from entering. The South Pacific islands are home to less than 50,000 people, according to the 2020 census.

The Samoa News reported air and sea travel area also suspended and public facilities are closed during the one-week lockdown period.

The threat level also suspends public gatherings and allows only first responders and workers deemed essential to work in person.

American Samoa health officials said that the community spread started with a Health Department employee working at a quarantine site who infected seven family members, Samoa News reported.

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