Offshore engineers for the Starkist tuna cannery in American Samoa were given special entry permits to the US Territoy despite strict travel restrictions in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Offshore engineers for the Starkist tuna cannery in American Samoa were given special entry permits to the US Territoy despite strict travel restrictions in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Sunday morning a Falcon 50 private jet landed at Pago Pago International Airport with three engineers for StarKist on board.
The aircraft dropped off the engineers then departed.
A Falcon 50 private jet landed at Pago Pago International Airport on 18 April 2020 with three engineers for StarKist on board. Photo: Supplied
According to the Chairman of the territory's Coronavirus Task Force Iulogologo Joseph Pereira, StarKist needed to repair part of its plant to maximize production.
He said the cannery had requested to allow the three engineers to come and conduct emergency repairs.
As a condition for entry the three individuals were to be tested before they would travel here.
The tests returned negative for covid-19
"These tests were done," assured Iulogologo. "So the private jet brought these 3 engineers"
Iulogologo said there were no other travelers on the plane.
Iulogologo pointed out that StarKist have also assured Governor Lolo Moliga that they will monitor the three engineers like they have done for their 2,500 employees.
The Task Force chairman reiterated that StarKist is part of the national food security initiative to sustain America's food supply chain.
Information received by KHJ News is that the three engineers, who are believed to be from South Korea, were initially taken to Fatuoaiga to be quarantined.
They were given a Covid-19 test locally and the results were negative. They then checked out of Fatuoaiga.