The third medical charter from American Samoa during the coronavirus pandemic was smoother than the first two and the flight departed on time. However there were still a few hiccups.
The flight on Wednesday had 270 passengers, 10 of whom were children …who sat on their parents laps.
Director of the Medicaid Office Sandra King Young says, “The flight went fairly smooth, we have gotten more efficient at processing all the paperwork needed for the State of Hawaii and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.”
She said for the first time, all passengers were cooperative with wearing masks on the plane and people did not abuse the wheelchair availability–so the flight left on time.
King Young acknowledged the assistance from Hawaiian Airlines and the Governor of Hawaii’s office “and we are very grateful. “
The hiccup was that travelers who chose to complete the Hawaii Safe Travels program online by themselves still did not do it right–and this delayed their clearance in Hawaii.
“This frustrated the HI officials,” King Young told KHJ News.
So on the next flight, Medicaid is going to require all passengers to complete the HI Safe Travels form and Hawaii Health Survey form with the help of their staff.
King Young offered advice for those traveling off island
“People need to understand that because of COVID, how we travel has been significantly changed,” she said.
“The new normal for travel is increased social distancing at airports meaning no more crowding at airports including our Pago airport terminal.
”There is COVID testing or quarantine and exemptions that must be made–but all of that requires a lot of paperwork.
“The paperwork requirements need to be done correctly,” she stressed.
“It is not as simple anymore like buying a ticket and getting on Theo plane and clearing customs and immigrations.
”State borders now are looking at the health risks and health history of people. If you pose a risk on the flight or at entry, you will not be allowed to travel.”
The Medicaid Director forewarned her office will be enforcing strict travel guidelines to ensure the safety of flights and our people.
“Overall, this 3rd charter was a good experience and effectively carried out,” said King Young,
“No complaints were made and people were happy for the most part.”
King Young pointed that because they had more than two weeks to coordinate the flight, “it was also less stressful. It still required late nights for my staff due to requirements that could not be completed until the last few days of the flight, but it went well.”
