UHERO Briefs
Prevention of Travel-related Reintroduction of COVID-19 Infection in the State of Hawaii
UHERO BRIEFS ARE CIRCULATED TO STIMULATE DISCUSSION AND CRITICAL COMMENT.
The findings and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or official positions of UHERO, the University of Hawai’i, or any funding or supporting organization.
This plan proposes to limit travel-related reintroduction of COVID-19 into Hawaii, averting further local transmission of the virus from travelers to the community. The plan is epidemiologically sound and conceptually straightforward. Air passengers cleared to travel by screening for specific markers will pose a much smaller risk of transmission to Hawaii residents. Individuals clearing both (1) temperature and symptom screening in their departure city and (2) a COVID-19 test in their departure city will not be required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival in Hawaii. Specific timelines for testing relative to embarkation are provided.