American Samoa, one of the last places without coronavirus, has first infection

American Samoa reported its first coronavirus case, 18 months into the pandemic, after a traveler tested positive after flying to the U.S. territory from Hawaii.

The positive case was discovered during a quarantine period required upon arrival in American Samoa. The traveler was fully vaccinated, according to a news release published Friday by American Samoa's Department of Homeland Security, and the positive result was confirmed by the Health Department Thursday. Officials say the individual tested negative before traveling. The traveler was asymptomatic when tested, according to the news release, and will continue to be monitored.

"The discovery of this positive case during quarantine highlights the importance of why our process is critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19," Gov. Lemanu Mauga, D, said in a statement. "It further highlights the importance of maintaining our current quarantine protocols." Mauga was among the passengers on the Monday flight from Hawaii and is in quarantine, according to the Associated Press.