More information about the FEMA agent who was returned on the flight she arrived on last Friday because of a positive coronavirus test weeks before she traveled here, were revealed at a House of Representatives hearing yesterday.
CEO of LBJ Hospital Faumuina John Faumuina, Health Director Motusa Tuileama Nua and DOH Epidemiologist Dr Aifili John Tufa were questioned by the House Health Committee, chaired by Rep Vesi Fautanu Jr. concerning the handling of the FEMA agent’s case and other issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Tufa said the female FEMA contractor had tested positive for coronavirus on June 29th.
She was tested again on July 15 and she was negative. (DOH Director Motusa gave June 15 as the woman was tested positive on June 15)
Explaining what went into their decision to return the FEMA contractor, he said the agent did not meet guidelines of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that American Samoa follows for verification that someone who tested positive and was later negative, is free of the virus.
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Chairman of the Health Committee Rep Vesi Fautanu, Rep Vaetasi Tuumolimoli Moliga and Poyer Samuelu were concerned that the two people who traveled with the FEMA agent on the plane and could have been exposed to the virus were allowed to enter.
The two passengers, Rep Faimealelei Anthony Allen and his wife, are being quarantined at the Tradewinds Hotel with the head of the company that provides ground handling for military flights.
The latter went on the aircraft several times while it was on the ground at the local airport.
Health Director Motusa said the three are being isolated in their hotel rooms and cannot come out.
DOH has met with the hotel management to cordon off the wing of the hotel they are in.
The lawmaker and his wife, who were medical referrals by the Veterans Administration were COVID- 19 tested in Hawaii and were negative.
According to Motusa, three other VA referrals were not allowed to travel on the same flight because they had not been tested.
Dr. Tufa said precautions have been taken for the trio in isolation at the Tradewinds Hotel.
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