US Territories’ August 16-22, 2021 news week in tweets

Businesses in Puerto Rico ordered that proof of vaccination is required

Puerto Rico orders businesses to require proof of vaccination https://t.co/tqxPMIv0C7 pic.twitter.com/C8sUWRIgbt

— The Hill (@thehill) August 19, 2021

Pedro Pierluisi (NPP, D) has announced that businesses in Puerto Rico must require proof of COVID-19 vaccination from all workers and customers. Some businesses must decrease their number of customers by half if they do not require proof. 

Contribution to Guam’s rise in hospital admissions by unvaccinated patients 

Guam's hospital admissions have increased. In Guam, Unvaccinated adults have a 30x higher risk of needing hospitalization as compared to fully vaccinated adults. Data also shows 90% of hospital admissions due to COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

— Governor Lou Leon Guerrero (@louleonguerrero) August 20, 2021

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero (D) shares that the majority of Guam’s recent hospital admissions are of unvaccinated people. 

New law to expand CTE programs at high schools in the US Virgin Islands 

#StJohn Source: New Law Offers $2,500 Annual Tax Credit to Businesses for CTE to Train Students https://t.co/M2lxViTbry #USVI

— USVirginIslands News🇻🇮 (@USVInews) August 19, 2021

In September, a new law will take place to offer businesses a $2,500 tax credit annually if they provide hands-on training to students by partnering with the US Virgin Islands Department of Education. 

Approval of return to school plan in the Northern Mariana Islands 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (USDOE) — The U.S. Department of Education announced Wednesday the approval of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Public School System’s implementation plan. https://t.co/SmjYFNm6fM

— Marianas Variety (@MVNews670) August 19, 2021

The US Department of Education has approved the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Public School System’s implementation plan, which outlines their aims for the return to school using the American Rescue Plan funds. 

American Samoa will receive increased nutritional assistance from USDA 

.@USDA announced a 23% increase, or $1.86 million in annual nutrition assistance for American Samoa. In fiscal year 2022, which starts Oct. 1, 2021, the territory will receive a $10.047 million grant for the Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP). See more at https://t.co/PRdryNM9HN pic.twitter.com/rS02SSSG8z

— USDA Nutrition (@USDANutrition) August 16, 2021

By a reevaluation of the Thrifty Food Plan, The US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has announced that American Samoa will be receiving a 23% increase in funds to support their Nutrition Assistance Program.

Full approval of vaccine to be given by FDA 

Breaking News: The FDA is aiming to give full approval to Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine on Monday, according to people familiar with the agency’s planning. The move is expected to pave the way for a series of vaccine mandates. https://t.co/fAPMWec5MC

— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 20, 2021

The Food and Drug Administration plans to fully approve Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccination on the 23rd in hopes of attracting currently hesitant people to get vaccinated.