© Getty ImagesUnited bans Hawaiian couple that flew despite positive COVID-19 test
United Airlines has banned a couple from Hawaii that flew on the airline despite testing positive for COVID-19.
The couple currently faces second-degree endangerment charges after they boarded a flight from San Francisco to Kaua'i after testing positive while going through pre-travel screenings.
"We have banned these customers while we investigate this matter," United said in a statement to The Hill.
"The health and safety of our employees and customers is our highest priority," the company said. "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."
The couple was ordered to isolate after testing positive for the virus, according to police report obtained by USA Today.
They reportedly defied the order and boarded the flight accompanied by a 4-year-old child.
Once they arrived at Lihue Airport, officers identified the couple and "escorted them to a designated isolation room for further processing and investigation," a KPD Public Information officer told USA Today.
Kaua'i Mayor Derek Kawakami confirmed that the couple was since arrested and is facing charges, according to a local ABC News station. They posted bail, which was set at $1,000, according to NBC News, and could face a $2,000 fine and up to a year in jail if convicted.
Under United Airlines' current guidelines, customers who test positive for COVID-19 ahead of their flights will not be able to fly for at least 10 days after receiving their diagnosis. And even then, the company states that customers must have "two successive negative COVID-19 results that were administered at least 24 hours apart."
There have been 18,186 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaii since the pandemic began, according to the state's Department of Health. The state has reported 246 deaths.