Governor tells Covid Task Force to forge ahead despite challenges

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Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga has urged the Covid-19 Task Force to continue looking and planning ahead despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic which has cost the government more than $18 million in repatriation and quarantine related expenses.

Lemanu attended the weekly COVID-19 Task Force meeting this past Monday. Task force Chairman Lt Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale is off island.

The transition to commercial flights in September and the elimination of the pre-travel quarantine in Hawaii has reduced some of the repatriation and quarantine costs; however, Governor Lemanu remarked that even the current level of costs cannot be sustained indefinitely.

The Governor discussed the need to address long standing issues such as healthcare workforce shortages and ensuring our students are prepared for virtual learning in the event of another pandemic or community transmission.

He emphasized his decision to keep travel restrictions in place  is due to the potential impact of a border closure on the Territory’s health, economic, and social wellbeing.

Task Force Vice Chairman, Attorney General Fainuulelei Alailima-Utu, facilitated discussion of other topics.

These include the flight schedule for the first quarter of 2022 calendar year which is being officially requested to Hawaiian Airlines, the vaccination and quarantine updates and other challenges faced by key Task Force departments.

Acting Clinical Director of the Dept of Health, Dr Elizabeth Lauvao reported that 278 travelers arrived on the October 14th flight, the largest number of passengers of the entire year.

Due to the large capacity, travelers have been placed at multiple quarantine sites to include Tradewinds, Sadies by the Sea, and Fatu O Aiga. In addition, bus drivers were also quarantined in a DOH facility.

The first COVID test for the travelers was conducted this past Sunday and Monday.
One positive case from the flight was isolated as confirmed by Director of Health Motusa Nua.

All travelers will remain in quarantine for 14 days.