Breaking News: Hawaii to Bypass Quarantine with Negative COVID-19 Test Results
Hawaiian officials have declared that travelers arriving from out of state will be able to bypass the mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival if they provide a negative coronavirus test. Hawaii Governor David Ige revealed that travelers who take a COVID-19 test with a negative result within 72 hours before their flight arrives in the state would be able to enter without quarantine starting on October 15.
Travelers who complete an FDA-approved nasal swab COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their flight arrival in Hawaii — and are able to produce evidence of negative test results — will be eligible to forego the state’s 14-day quarantine instructions
“I want to emphasize that this pre-travel testing will allow us to add a greater element of safety for travel into our state,” Governor Ige said in a statement.
The state is working with drug store operator CVS and healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente to conduct the tests. Hawaii previously announced two planned tourism restart dates, but a lack of supplies and a spike in confirmed cases forced delays.
Hawaii’s government also requires travelers to fill out its online “Safe Travels” application in an effort to keep its residents and visitors healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Travelers can fill out two forms: one for interisland travel and one for trans-Pacific travel. The new plan digitizes the process from paper and uses the same form for each traveler type. The forms collect health and contact information to assist in public health monitoring.
Interisland travelers may submit and enroll in the 14-day non-quarantined travel monitoring program but must stay in specific geographical areas and limit their contact with people not under self-quarantine restrictions. Travelers who participate must sign waivers saying they voluntarily chose to participate, as well as allow electronic monitoring and access to their health information. All are required to pay for associated costs.
Travelers can still arrive in Hawaii without a COVID-19 test, but they will be required to quarantine for 14 days, or until they are able to provide negative test results. They will also have to undergo a health screening at the airport along with visitors who have taken a test.
As you plan your return to travel, you may have questions. AAA Travel advisors are here to help, whether you’re planning a trip to Hawaii or a weekend in Vermont. To speak with a travel advisor, please call 1-800-222-7448.