Share
HONOLULU — A couple was arrested at a Hawaii airport for traveling on a flight from California despite knowing they were infected with COVID-19, authorities said.
Wesley Moribe, 41, and Courtney Peterson, 46, boarded a United Airlines flight to Lihue with a 4-year-old child after San Francisco International Airport officials told them Sunday to isolate themselves and avoid the flight, the Kauai Police Department said.
Police escorted the couple to a designated isolation room after the plane landed, where they were arrested on suspicion of second-degree reckless endangering.
The residents of Wailua on Kauai were released after posting $1,000 bail each.
The child was released into the care of a family member and the Child Protective Services division of the state Department of Human Services was notified.
Moribe and Peterson took COVID-19 detection tests before the flight as part of Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program, officials said.
For Most People, the Coronavirus Causes Mild or Moderate Symptoms
They both tested positive for the virus and were taken to the San Francisco airport’s quarantine station and told not to fly.
“They knowingly boarded a flight aware of their positive COVID-19 test results, placing the passengers of the flight in danger of death,” Kauai police said.
Peterson did not immediately return voicemail messages Thursday seeking comment. A phone number associated with Moribe had been disconnected.
Democratic Gov. David Ige last week approved Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami’s request to temporarily allow the island to opt out of the state testing program.
The policy scheduled to take effect Wednesday requires travelers to Kauai to spend 14 days in quarantine regardless of whether they obtain a negative COVID-19 test.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some — especially older adults and people with existing health problems — it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.
RELATED TOPICS:
Trump Criticizes Judge and His Daughter After Gag Order in Hush-Money Case
12 hours ago
CA Insurance Market ‘in Chaos,’ Says Former Insurance Commissioner. Can Lara Fix It?
12 hours ago
Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Sets a Record After Wall Streets Breaks Out of Its Lull
13 hours ago
House Speaker Mike Johnson Headed to Fresno on April 4
13 hours ago
Bredefeld, Smittcamp Debate the Salary of Valley Children’s CEO
13 hours ago
CA’s Liberal Government Has a Long History of Caving to Special Interests
13 hours ago
Police Had About 90 Seconds to Stop Traffic Before Baltimore Bridge Fell. 6 Workers Are Feared Dead
15 hours ago
NBC Has Cut Ties With Former RNC Head Ronna McDaniel After Employee Objections, Some on the Air
15 hours ago
Here Are Some Numbers That Will Help You Get Your March Madness Fix for the Sweet 16
15 hours ago
Ukrainian Navy Says a Third of Russian Warships in the Black Sea Have Been Destroyed or Disabled