Coronavirus-infected couple flew from San Francisco on plane: she faces prison

“They knowingly boarded the flight knowing they had tested positive for COVID-19, putting the flight passengers at risk of death,” a Kauai police spokeswoman said. Writes about this NBC News.

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A Hawaiian couple have been charged with recklessly endangering others after they boarded a plane with their 4-year-old son, even though they tested positive for COVID-19, police said.

Wesley Moribe and Courtney Peterson knew they had tested positive when they boarded a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Lihue, said Coco Zikos, a spokeswoman for the Kauai police. San Francisco International Airport officials instructed them to isolate themselves and not travel, Zikos said.

When Moribe and Peterson arrived at Lihue Airport, the police escorted them to the detention center for further investigation.

Moribe, 41, and Peterson, 46, of Wailua, were arrested on charges of reckless second-degree threat. According to Zikos, a family member took their son home and the Child Welfare Service was notified.

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A spokesman for the Hawaii Joint Information Center for COVID-19 said Wednesday, December 2, that the state health department is receiving a warning when someone tests positive and that the couple knew their status before they boarded a flight to San Francisco.

“Instead of going into quarantine and contacting their doctor, they boarded the plane,” the spokesperson said.

As of Sunday, November 29, Hawaii had 17 confirmed coronavirus cases and 968 deaths, according to the health department.

The couple posted a $ 1000 bond. If convicted, they face up to a year in prison and a $ 2000 fine.

Passengers who test positive for coronavirus are not allowed to fly.

“Following CDC guidelines, you will not be able to travel on United airlines for at least 10 days after the date you tested positive and only after two consecutive negative COVID-19 tests that were obtained at least 24 hours apart.” — reports the website of United Airlines.

In a statement Wednesday, Dec. 2, a United spokesperson said the health and safety of employees and customers is "the airline's highest priority, which is why we have various policies and procedures in place as part of a multi-layered approach to providing an environment for safer travel."

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“Prior to travel, all United customers must complete a Ready to Fly checklist confirming they have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days,” the spokesperson said.

An investigation is currently underway to assess whether Moribe and Peterson will allow United to fly with United in the future, the spokesman said.

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