Repatriation Flight #4 touched down at Pago Pago International Airport close to 1 this afternoon with 263 passengers, the largest group of stranded residents to return home from the United States and other countries.
A resident who had been waiting for a flight home for more than a year said, “ Our repat aiga were joyful and emotional on wheels down at The airport.”
As with the other three repat flights families and friends, lined the roadside to greet the returning evident.
Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, together with Rev. Patolo Mageo and Mrs Fiapaipai Fruean, President of Nana’s company were in font of the Veterans Memorial Stadium with a large group of Nana’s Company employees in their bright work tshirts.
“We were excited to see families and friends, relatives, Nana’s company, and many others by the roadsides to welcome us home and we shed some tears of joy,” said the returning resident.
Some travelers were disappointed to learn that they had to be quarantined even though they already received two Covid shots.
The resident who spoke with KHJ News agreed with the decision for all of the passengers to be quarantined.
“Many are in disbelief about the quarantine of individuals that are fully vaccinated, But I feel it should be the case and we have to treat our arrival as if we have the virus on board. So I say trust the process and in a few days we’ll be home.”
Travelers who are fully vaccinated are housed at the Catholic center at Fatuoaiga and the others are at Tradewinds Hotel.
Elderly travelers are staying at the Tradewinds Hotel due to underlying medical conditions.
Related news the Director General of health Leausa Dr Take naseri met with the governor and lt governor and leaders of the Alba hospital and a department of health today.
Leausa who arrived last Wednesday is reported to have briefed local leaders About Samoa’s Vaccination efforts, repatriation and quarantine. He also touched on Some of the laws they have put in place for COVID 19.
Also on the a diff was the possibility of opening borders between the two Samoas very soon.
In related news, Samoa’s Director General of Health Leausa Dr Take Naseri met today with Governor Lemanu, Lt Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale and leaders of the LBJ Hospital Dept of Health.
Leausa, who arrived last Wednesday, is reported to have briefed local leaders about Samoa’s vaccination campaign, repatriation and quarantine efforts.
He also touched on some of the laws Samoa has put in place for COVID-19.
Also on the agenda was the possibility of opening borders between the two Samoas very soon.
