Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In a statement yesterday, the Health Department reminds the public that all 159 passengers on the first repatriation flight from the US, which arrived yesterday afternoon at Pago Pago International Airport tested negative three-times for COVID-19.

The reminder comes amid concerns that the repatriated passengers will bring the deadly pandemic into the territory.

Flight status check on the Hawaiian Airlines website, shows that the flight departed Honolulu at 8a.m. yesterday and arrived in Pago Pago on-time at 12:58p.m.  From the airport, the passengers were transported to Tradewinds Hotel for the required 14-day quarantine period.

ASG officials say the travelers were all processed at the hotel including Immigration and Customs clearance. Their first COVID-19 test in the territory will also be administered at the hotel.

Police and other security personnel are manning the entrance into the hotel compound.

In the statement, DoH reminds the community that the general public is banned from entering the hotel compound during the quarantine period from Feb. 1st to 14. Furthermore, repatriated residents will have NO physical contact with family and friends during the quarantine period.

Additionally, there will be NO pick-up of parcels from passengers nor was drop off of essential items allowed yesterday (Feb. 1st) or today, Feb. 2nd — pending COVID-test results.

“We intend to keep the community well informed so that together we can protect and promote our people’s health and well being to keep American Samoa COVID-Free,” said DoH, which again reminds the public that it’s now mandatory to have a face mask in place before entering any DoH facilities and clinics.

“You will not be allowed to receive your COVID-19 vaccine if you are not wearing a mask,” said DoH.

Wearing masks is also now mandatory at the LBJ Medical Center for anyone entering the hospital.