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Hawaii has had different COVID-19 restrictions from other U.S states throughout much of the pandemic. And the news that travelers and citizens will require either evidence of vaccination or testing to enter indoor venues won’t be a surprise to many.
The news comes after the mayors of Oahu and Maui submitted requests to Governor Ige for stricter COVID-19 restrictions due to the state’s current surge in cases. The vaccine pass will start next week and will require proof of full vaccination and testing.
The New Restrictions In Oahu
From the 13th of September, anyone entering bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theatres, museums, arcades, and numerous other indoor establishments must present a negative COVID-19 test within the previous 72 hours or proof of full vaccination. However, anyone under 12 is exempt from the new rule. (Under 12s can’t currently receive a vaccine anyway.)
In addition, the island — which is the most popular tourist destination in Hawaii — will continue its limits of capacity in indoor venues. Many tourists have struggled to find places in restaurants in Honolulu because of the limits on capacity in restaurants.
The new restrictions, which come under the Safe Access Oahu program, will last at least 60 days or more depending on the situation in November.
The Mayor of Honolulu County, Rick Blangiardi, declared his hope that the restrictions would come off as a “common-sense appeal.” He stated, “This is about public health—with numbers like nothing we’ve seen before. We’re begging, begging people to get vaccinated, and anywhere we can enforce it we will.”
The Mayor further stated that the inclusion of the vaccine passport would minimize the economic impact of COVID-19 on local businesses. He said, “We’re trying to rebuild. We don’t want another lockdown.”
The New Restrictions In Maui
In a September 7th press conference, the Mayor of Maui County Micheal Victorino declared a new emergency order beginning on September 15th. The new order will restrict anyone from visiting bars and restaurants if they can’t provide proof of vaccination. Again, children under 12 are exempt from the restrictions.
However, unlike in Oahu, there won’t be a negative test option because people don’t plan evenings out according to a test schedule. But unvaccinated people won’t be able to enter bars or restaurants.
However, unlike in Oahu, there won’t be a negative test option because people don’t plan evenings out according to a test schedule. But unvaccinated people won’t be able to enter bars or restaurants.
There will also be a curfew on bars and restaurants, which will close at 10 pm from September 15th. There will be capacity restrictions on tourism activities and the island will limit group excursions to a 50 percent capacity. Currently, the capacity is 75 percent.
These restrictions will be in place for the next 30 days. After that, the island will review the restrictions and loosen or tighten them according to the situation.
The Entry Requirements
For much of the pandemic, Hawaii was difficult to enter for many U.S citizens. The state has announced its vaccine exemption program to enable fully vaccinated visitors to enter without quarantine.
Vaccinated travelers will need to wait 15 days after their second vaccine dose of Moderna or Pfizer. Alternatively, travelers that used the Johnson and Johnson vaccine will have to wait 15 days after their single dose.
Domestic travelers will also have to upload one of the following three documents:
- A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card
- VAMS (Vaccination Administration Management System) printout OR
- DOD DD Form 2766C
The program does not cover international travelers.
Cases of COVID-19 are at all-time high levels in Hawaii. However, cases are currently declining from an all-time high 7-day average of 800 cases per day last month. That said, the state is still recording a 7-day average of 617 cases per day.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Silvia Von lindemann
Monday 13th of September 2021
Shame Ige you are a dictator.lucky that many in Hawaii believe in your crab. All those few blue states they mandate a pass will not do well in the end. I believe in vaccines but not mandates.and if your vaccinated you should not be worry about the unvacced right???