Amidst a growing number of both the Omicron and Delta variants both on the mainland and here in Hawaii, for now, at least, Hawaii travel continues to excel in attracting visitors. But there could be a mess brewing with Safe Travels which is one of our topics today.
In spite of the 12 cases of Omicron already detected in Hawaii, and a growing number anticipated, Hawaii’s airlines are approaching the holidays with much to feel good about. And if we hadn’t just learned of Omicron, it would be that much busier. Hawaii is set to track at or above 2019 domestic travel levels going forward, barring anything unforeseen.
All of us, including the Hawaii travel industry, are trying to learn to cope with Covid and an unknown number of future variants that may occur before it hopefully goes away quietly. And yet, as we have seen in the past couple of weeks, travel restrictions, no matter how quickly they are implemented nor how severe they are, do not serve to stop the spread of new variants.
Will Hawaii update Safe Travels rules as cases grow and vaccine effectiveness wanes?Â
The protection offered by Covid vaccines is waning over time. This now further complicates the current Hawaii Safe Travels rules. Someone fully vaccinated two months ago is now said to have significantly better protection against Covid than someone vaccinated six or eight months ago, let alone the superior protection we are told is offered to those who have had recent Covid boosters. Then too there is a case for natural immunity, with its protection which is also said to wane over time.
Therefore the question remains as to whether Hawaii might seek to update the Safe Travels rules with regard to the fast-changing information becoming available. And, can Hawaii move on its own in that regard, without waiting for the federal government to update its definition of fully vaccinated or recovered?
Testing for domestic flights remains on hold nationally.
Last week new Covid testing requirements were implemented for all international flights to the United States. Most of the traveling public would like to see some mandate for testing on domestic flights, but lawmakers seem disinclined. And how that would even work, remains a mystery. Read on for an on-airport testing idea.
Why this could be a mess brewing.
Vaccination and recovery verification standards may need to be updated soon. Are Hawaii airport personnel equipped to deal with these matters if standards become more complex, and how then might this be managed? Airlines flying to Hawaii are already providing Pre-Clear exemption wristbands for vacation-bound visitors. But how much more can they take on without causing consternation, delays, and conflicts.
Is the current 3-day “trusted partner” testing effective and will that evolve?
The key to testing is obviously to find those who are actively infected. However, based on the fact that the new federal requirements now require testing within 1-day (for all international arrivals), does Hawaii’s current 3-day rule even make sense. Furthermore, if Hawaii moves away from its strict (“trusted partner”) testing requirements and opts for a shorter interval between testing and flying, what tests would be approved? The variety of available tests results in differing levels of specificity and sensitivity, which could lead to more uncertainty when interpreting and accepting test results.
On-site airport testing prior to boarding?
Some have suggested recently that adding on-site airport testing, perhaps following the TSA security screening process, could make the most sense both for Hawaii and nationally.
Hawaii Safe Travels (in whatever form) is here to stay for a long time.
To effectively control current and future outbreaks, the Hawaii Safe Travels program will stay in effect. Remaining hawk-eyed is currently the best way to mitigate Covid. Relaxing the Safe Travels rules appears to be off the table for Hawaii.
That is probably true no matter what news there is tomorrow, whether it is good or bad. One thing we’ve learned is that the next news cycle may bring more or less trouble.
Please let us know your thoughts!
Just read in the Hawaii Magazine email that visitors and residents returning to the islands do not need to fill out the Safe Travels Health Questionnaire prior to departure. Is that accurate? Where does a person check to see if they need to complete any paperwork and if mandatory testing for Covid would go into place beforehand? We leave for Maui in 40 days and want to be prepared as much as possible. We just hope our flights don’t get canceled. Mahalo!
Hi Melanie.
That is covered in this post.
Aloha.
There seems to be a lot of experts in this string of messages. I myself, am not an expert on COVID. I chose to get vaccinated just in case it might save one life, I choose to wear a mask just in case it might save one life, I choose to social distance, just in case it might save one life. If you are an expert and absolutely know without a doubt on either side of this argument, then I applaud you for your stance. If you are like me and not an expert, then do what you think best and move on!
Maybe people should be weighed before they get on a plane? No one seems to want to address the fact that 50% of our population is overweight or obese. Being overweight leads to numerous health issues hence “Underlying issues”. I’m a health resident whom has been traveling to and from my home on Kauai. There are several diseases and issues “Scientists” are finding on those of us whom have been vaccinated. I’m not getting a booster, and it won’t stop me from continuing my travels.
I understand your concern. However, fat people don’t choose to be overweight. Their condition is often rooted in trauma and food can be comforting as in the term comfort food. You however have chosen not to be boosted posing a health threat to yourself and the people around you when you travel. The covid vaccines have shown to be less effective after 6-8 months. Please get boosted before your resistance wanes.
I used to think of this as a deals site. Now I find well written news and commentary. It is really helpful. My worry is that omicron, being the most contagious virus ever known, is going to rip through us. 70 %of people who got it were double vaccinated in South Africa. It’s already on Oahu so I guess time will tell. I have over a 100 k in the air and I am seeing widespread mask fatigue and people who are sneaking mask removals etc. We need a vaccine mandate for flying!
Hi Richard.
Thanks for your nice words. Yes, times change and so do we all. Happy travels.
Aloha.
Please stop with the how should we end the freedom hundreds of thousands died for over a cold virus. Hardly anybody still believes all of this.
This article could cost the author his or her credibility in a few years.
No cold virus ever killed >800,000 Americans in a 21 month period. But don’t let the facts interfere.