Travellers to Hawaii reaching the islands from August 1 need not stay in quarantine in case they carry a valid COVID-19 test result showing negative. On May 26 this year, Hawaii had imposed a 14-day quarantine for tourists as well as local people returning home from other places and this stipulation was effective till July 31.
The new announcement is aimed at reviving the tourism sector on the islands which had come to a standstill after the pandemic was reported. However, details of the quarantine waiver are yet to be released.
Even though the authorities are keen to boost the revenue from tourism, they are concerned about the safety and health of the local population also, said Governor David Ige. “We give prime importance to the health of the society. The pre-travel testing and screening process will enable journey to Hawaii without 14-day quarantine even while ensuring the health and safety of the residents and visitors,” he explained.
Earlier in May, Hawaii officials had discussed a travel plan with their counterparts in Japan and waived quarantine norms for tourists from that country.
