A couple from Hawaii was arrested after they allegedly boarded a flight knowing they had COVID-19. Police said that Wesley Moribe and Courtney Peterson took a pre-flight coronavirus test, which came back positive.
They were told by officials at San Francisco Airport not to board their flight back to Lihue Airport and were advised to isolate with their four-year-old child.
The couple ignored the instructions and boarded their United Airlines flight. When the plane landed, the couple was taken to an isolation room and detained by the Kauai Police Department. Their child was released into the care of a family member, and officials contacted Child Protective Services.
The couple was charged with second degree reckless endangering. They were released after posting bail, which was set at $1,000.
"The Kauai Police Department, working alongside our county and state partners, remain diligent in protecting the health and safety of our island," said Chief of Police Todd G. Raybuck. "We continue to request visitors and residents alike to follow the Governor's Emergency Rules and take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19."
United Airlines issued a statement saying they are looking into the incident and suggested they may ban the couple from flying in the future.
"The health and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority, which is why we have various policies and procedures in place as part of a multi-layered approach to create a safer travel environment, including mandating that everyone onboard wears a mask. Prior to traveling, all United customers are required to complete a 'Ready to Fly' checklist acknowledging they have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. We are investigating this matter further to assess these passengers' ability to fly on United in the future."
Photo: Kaua'i Police Department