Updates and Clarifications to the Pre-Travel Testing Program!

Over the past week, more details have come out about what the pre-travel testing program, slated to begin October 15, 2020, entails, and what is actually required of incoming visitors.

As I shared in my most recent post, the governor finally green-lighted the much anticipated Pre-Travel Testing Program, which would allow visitors who have a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of the final leg of their trip, to be allowed in to the state without the need to quarantine. 

However, details were sparse at the time. They have since been a bit more clarified, and it both opens up possibilities, as well as creates a few potential difficulties.

​According to this article in West Hawaii Today on Tuesday, the State has partnered with specific providers to get the authorized tests (CVS, Kaiser Permanente and Walgreens), as well as the fact that ALL travelers, even children under 12, must provide a negative test, even though it has been acknowledged that most providers will not perform tests on any person under 12, leaving families with children in a quandary. It is not that they would not be allowed on the plane, but if you cannot provide a negative test for your kids, they would still be subject to the 14-day mandatory quarantine, the same as anyone else who cannot produce a negative test.

The article does go on to clarify that if you were able to get the test (but not the results) before your departure, you will be able to come, but must quarantine until you can provide your negative test results to the authorities. Once that is done, you will be released from quarantine.

Another important piece of information that has been clarified in recent days is that the state will NOT allow you to get a test once you arrive here in Hawaii. It must be done before departure, so if you are unable to get the appropriate test before you leave, you will be subject to that mandatory 14-day quarantine.

In attempt to aid travelers who are itching to come, United Airlines has announced that it will provide Covid-19 tests to any travelers heading to Hawaii on site for $250, but only at their San Francisco hub for the time being. The hope it that more airlines will follow suit.

If you have a wedding scheduled with us coming up after October 15th, know we are here if you run into snafus, and will work with you to figure out an alternate date if need be for your wedding, as the State attempts to figure out a system that works!