First repatriation flight moved back to Feb 1st

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The first repatriation flight from Honolulu has been moved back to February 1st, according to Acting Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua.

Speaking at his confirmation hearing in the Senate yesterday Motusa said that the flight is now departing February 1st instead of January 29 as originally scheduled.

Before the start of a press conference on Wednesday regarding the repatriation flight, Motusa informed Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga about the five people who had been removed from the group being quarantined in Honolulu.

He said it’s the recommendation of Dr. Cecilia Ala’ilima who heads the medical team handling the repatriation effort in Honolulu, to extend the quarantine period in Honolulu 12-14 days.

At that time no decision was made regarding the recommendation and Governor Lemanu said during the press conference that they would make a decision on the flight date after discussing the matter.

Motusa’s statement during his Senate confirmation hearing was the first public mention of the postponement.

The acting health director, responding to a question from Senator Tuiagamoa Tavai about the status of the repatriation flight, talked about the five people who have been removed from quarantine and now under the care of Hawaii State Health.

Four tested positive for coronavirus when they were tested on the first day of quarantine and the fifth person was possibly exposed to them.

Motusa said the travelers face two more tests, an antibody test and a second Covid-19 test on the 9th day.

Originally this test was to be done on the 7th day however the director said it has been pushed back to the 9th because the date of departure for the repatriation flight has now been delayed to February 1st.

He said the government has decided on the later date and the flight is scheduled to arrive in the territory from Honolulu on Monday, February 1st between 12 and 1 pm.

The travelers will be taken straight to the Tradewinds Hotel to begin 14 days of quarantine.