165 Chinese workers on a chartered repatriation flight to Samoa 

One of the repatriation flights arriving at Faleolo International Airport.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 20 APRIL 2021: A chartered repatriation flight from China is expected to arrive in the country 29 April bringing in 165 Chinese workers.

The Chairman of the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), Agafili Shem Leo told the media that the workers will be working on various projects such as the construction of the police academy, the hospital, and other projects already in the pipeline.

In the group are 6 pathologists who have offered to work free of charge for Samoa according to Agafili.

Due to the lack of pathologists, Samoa has a backlog of special operations (with some going over a year) on a number of deceased, to identify their cause of death.

There is also a medical team to replace the one currently working at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital.

“Some of these workers are returning to continue their contracts after being locked down in China when they went to visit.” Agafili also explained that the trip and the intention why they are here was made known a month ago.

All 165 passengers will go through the same process like any other passengers arriving on the repatriation flights.

The Director of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri confirmed that all passengers will be quarantined even if they have had their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Every person travelling from beyond New Zealand will be quarantined for 21 days.

There is also a repatriation flight from the United States bringing in 100 returning Samoans on 30 April 2021.