Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The first group of repatriated residents of American Samoa, who received their first COVID-19 test on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021, have all tested negative, which was confirmed to Samoa News by the Department of Health Chief of Operation (COO) Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr, Wednesday night.

“The COVID-19 tests for all 159 people in quarantined at the Tradewinds Hotel are negative and this is good news for American Samoa,” Vesi told Samoa News.

Swabs were taken and tests conducted all day this past Wednesday and the results for all 159 residents including children, women and men was known by 8 p.m Wednesday night.

The second test is scheduled for some time next week.

Everyone is in good condition and their medical team along with everyone working at the site is doing their best to make sure that the group, along with everyone is safe and protected from the virus.

One resident who is part of the quarantine group told Samoa News that it was during their temperature check yesterday morning when Dr. Alailima shared the good news to every individual at their door that they had all tested negative.

“This is good news for our people because we wanted to remove fear with plenty of faith,” said one member of the repatriation group.

The good news about the negative test results was acknowledged by members of the House of Representatives during their House Session yesterday morning.

Leasina Rep. Ape Mike Asifoa informed faipule about the news he had heard about the negative test results. “This is good news for all of us as we’re praying for the safety of all the 159 residents who returned home this week and also everyone here in American Samoa.”

Vice Speaker of the House, Fetu Fetui Jr echoed Asifoa’s statement and said that this is a good sign of God’s never-ending love for American Samoa. He told faipule that they should keep their faith and trust to the Lord for He is God Almighty who can change bad to good.

A woman who told Samoa News that her family is among the 159 residents who are quarantined at the Tradewinds Hotel said that the negative result is great news — not only for our local community, but for the 159 passengers.