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Hawaii Governor Says Out-of-State Travelers Can Bypass Quarantine Next Month If They Test Negative for COVID-19
On Wednesday, Hawaii Gov. David Ige said that starting October 15th, travelers who arrive from out-of-state may bypass the 14-day quarantine requirement. They may do so if they test negative for COVID-19.
Travelers must take the test within 72 hours before their flight arrives in the islands, according to USA Today. “Ige said drugstore operator CVS and health care provider Kaiser Permanente will conduct the tests as part of an agreement with the state,” reported USA Today.
The announcement comes closely after Gov. Ige authorized a “resort bubble” program for Kauai.
“We understand the need to address the economic hardship facing our tourism-based community, while also preserving the safety of our residents,” said Kauai Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami in a statement. “The resort bubble program is an added tool to reopening our economy while we learn to co-exist with this virus. It’s not a replacement or the final solution, and we will continue to keep our community updated as we make progress.”
Hawaii leaders hope that pre-travel testing will encourage people to return to Hawaii while keeping residents safe.
Travelers are also required to fill out an online “Safe Travels” application to keep Hawaii’s residents and visitors healthy during the pandemic. Travelers can fill out two forms: one for interisland travel and one for trans-Pacific travel, as per USA Today.
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