All passengers on the recent repatriation flight, excluding the two men with historical cases of COVID19, have been released to their families after twenty one days in quarantine.

This was confirmed by the Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri during a press conference on Friday afternoon.

He said all 274 passengers who arrived on the 13 November 2020 flight from Auckland had tested negative to follow-up tests before they were released. 

“No one has the virus,  in other words they all tested negative,” the Director General assured.

“The sailor and his colleague and the 70-year-old together with his wife tested negative and it reconfirms that these are historical cases that were picked up late in the tests. 

“The conditions are if you get tested positive you have to test negative 3 times after that before you can be released...”

According to Leausa the 70-year-old and the 23-year-old sailor will be tested again over the weekend and the decision to release them will depend on those results. 

From the observation of the men, he said both do not have the flu symptoms or fever and are active eating well. 

He added that the elderly man is diabetic and are monitoring his diet. 

The passengers that have been released to their families have also been advised to take precautionary measures to avoid getting infected from other illness.     

Interim Chairman of the National Emergency Operation Centre, Agafili Shem Leo acknowledged the families for their patience and support during the quarantine period. 

He truly believes that if it wasn’t for the support from the families and their spouses on their work and the mercy of God it would not have turned out the way it has. 

Despite the men cases being historical, Agafili said the alert level 1 will remain active until further notice from the Ministry of Health on the two men. 

He said until the further results for the men are made known on Monday next week the Committee will decide then on the next step for the alert level. 

“Each level depends on advice from the Ministry of Health,” he said. 

“Once we get that confirmation on Monday the Committee will then assess the levels and inform the country. 

“The Committee is also aware of the spirit of Christmas and we will assess according to advice from Leausa and the Ministry of Health advice.” 

The next repatriation flight from Auckland to Apia is scheduled to arrive on Friday evening and the last one for this year will fly in from Auckland on Monday next week. 

Leausa said the passengers will also go through the same screening with tests and the mandatory quarantine period of 14 days.