(CNN) – It’s deja vu all over again. Hawaii, which has been battling a Covid-19 attack all summer, is effectively closed to tourists until at least October 1st.
On July 13, Governor David Ige announced a 14-day mandatory (and strictly enforced) solution to the state for all visitors and residents. The Hawaii pre-test program allowed travelers to leave the state free if they had a negative Covid-19 test, taken no more than 72 hours prior to travel.
The move was hopeful, fueled by the need to restart Hawaii’s decimated tourist economy. Unfortunately, the persistent rise in coronavirus cases across the country and within the state has delayed the implementation of the program three times: Target dates were August 1, September 1 and now, October 1.
According to a August 18 press release from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, “All persons, both residents and visitors, who come to Hawaii from outside the state are still subject to a mandatory 14-day self-guarantee. Pre-Travel Testing program has been postponed until October 1, at the earliest. “
During a press conference on August 18, Governor Ige said, “I have worked with mayors of all counties to identify ways we can bring travelers faster,” including “geo-fencing” at hotels – where the properties would take responsibility for it. quarantining incoming guests, such as “travel bells” with countries in Trans-Pacific areas such as Japan and Australia. However, there is no specific plan for implementing both.
Some travel between islands is also subject to restrictions – those traveling to Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island are subject to the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
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