The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today released updated guidelines for fully vaccinated travelers in the U.S., saying these travelers are less likely to get and distribute COVID-19.
The guidelines contain recommendations that individuals who have been fully vaccinated do not need to take a COVID-19 test before or after the trip unless their destination requires it; and does not have to be self-quarantine.
The CDC still recommends that fully vaccinated travelers follow safety recommendations, including: wear a mask properly over the nose and mouth, stay six feet away from others, avoid crowds and wash hands or use a hand sanitizer.
A person who has waited at least two weeks since receiving a final dose of FDA-approved vaccine is considered fully vaccinated.
Current state guidelines require tests and quarantine
According to current rules, all passengers arriving in the Pacific Ocean must be tested before boarding (within 72 hours before the last departure of their trip to Hawaii) or arriving on a ten-day quarantine. Under the Safe Travel Program of Hawaii:
- Travelers to Kaua’i must receive a negative result before the trip before departure and a 2nd negative test result after 72 hours at an approved “Resort Bubble” property of the Enhanced Movement Quarantine (EMQ). From April 5, Kaua’i will rejoin the Safe Travels trans-Pacific program.
- Travelers to Maui must download the AlohaSafe Alert app in addition to other requirements.
Trans-Pacific travelers arriving without a confirmed negative test will not be able to get a nucleic acid boost test upon arrival in Hawaii.
The State of Hawai’i accepts ONLY SEAT TESTS from certified clinical laboratory improvement modification laboratory test results from TRUSTED TEST AND TRAVEL PARTNERS.
Maui Now has reached out to government officials for comment on plans to go ahead and see if there will be any changes to the state rules. We are currently awaiting response.
Hawaiian Airlines calls for update of Safe Travels program following new CDC guidance
Hawaiian Airlines issued a statement in response to the CDC’s updated travel guidelines, saying it was satisfied with the guidance and hoped that the state would update its Safe Travels program to conform to the recommendations.
“We are delighted to see the CDC determined today that fully vaccinated people can travel safely inland without being tested or quarantined. We hope the State of Hawai’i will update the Safe Travels program to conform to these recommendations. The CDC’s leadership emphasizes the effectiveness of vaccinations, as well as the comprehensive health and safety protocols adopted by the airline industry. While we should all continue to take personal responsibility to protect ourselves and each other, it is time to restore freedom of travel so that families and friends can reconnect and generate important economic activity. ”
Proposal for vaccine passport faces challenges; Mayor of Maui Hopeful for second test proposal
Mayor Michael Victorino, days after submitting a proposal for a Maui vaccine passport pilot program, said it did not look promising after further discussion with the governor. “It does not look like he will approve the (vaccine) passport, but it has not been confirmed,” Mayor Victorino told a news conference Thursday afternoon.
Under the program proposal, individuals who have been fully vaccinated, with at least two weeks of incubation since their final vaccination dose, could circumvent the state’s 10-day quarantine without taking a test.
Mayor Victorino is also asking for a second test requirement for incoming travelers and is also awaiting a response from the governor. “As for the second test, he looks at it very favorably, but he did not confirm it either. I will therefore say that I will wait until Monday (for) his decision. I am asking for a decision as soon as possible so we can implement all our plans. They are ready, but they are waiting until we get approval. It will take at least 7-10 business days to get it implemented, so the faster we can get response, especially if it is positive, the faster we can get it. ”
“I’m really looking forward to a second Test. I think this is something that can be done, “said Mayor Victorino.
CDC recommendations for international travel differ from domestic flights
The CDC says international travel poses additional risks, and even travelers who are fully vaccinated have a greater risk of acquiring and potentially distributing new COVID-19 variants. The CDC recommends that international travel be delayed until it is fully vaccinated.
According to CDC guidelines, those who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine and travel internationally should still be tested three to five days after completing the trip. The CDC recommends that international travelers do not need to be tested before leaving the US unless their destination requires it; and do not have to be self-quarantine after arriving in the US.
Also, it differs from the current rules for international travel to Hawaii.
Under current state rules, travelers from Japan, Canada, and Korea to Hawaii can bypass the Hawaii state’s mandatory 10-day quarantine by ensuring a pre-trip test from a trusted test and travel companion 72 hours before departure. travel to Hawai’i. Travelers from Japan, Canada and Korea who do not pass a negative COVID-19 test BEFORE departure are subject to the same mandatory 10-day quarantine regulation as other Pacific travelers to Hawaii. The negative test result must be loaded on Safe Travels before departure or printed before departure and the hard copy in hand when you arrive in Hawaii.
Currently, there are no other enhanced access options available for international travel in Hawaii.