Covid test is no longer required on arrival on Hawaii's Big Island

The Big Island of Hawaii has ended its requirement for a Covid-19 test upon arrival for out-of-state travelers as of June 1.

The island implemented the post-arrival testing in fall 2020 as part of the county’s efforts to combat the spread of Covid-19. The testing was paid for and provided by the county and was in addition to the statewide requirement for all those traveling to Hawaii to receive a Covid-19 test within 72 hours of their departure for the state, or be subject to a quarantine period.

Originally the post-arrival testing applied to all arriving passengers, but in May travelers who had been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to arrival were exempted from the additional testing.

• Related: Hawaii expects to have a vaccine passport in place by summer

Island officials said 75% of all arrivals in recent weeks have been fully vaccinated.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity on behalf of our hospitality industry in their effort to extend our post-arrival testing program,” Hawaii County mayor Mitch Roth said in a statement. “However, with the amount of fully vaccinated travelers landing on our island, airport testing no longer seems necessary for the health and safety of our island. Instead, we hope to work with our industry partners to make their individual destinations the safest places that they can be in order to keep our communities safe.”

All travelers to Hawaii are still required to adhere to the state’s Safe Travels program, which permits those entering the state who test negative for Covid-19 within three days of their departure to bypass a 10-day self-quarantine period.

Source: Read Full Article