With Hawaii’s economy in disaster, individuals and the travel industry struggling to survive, and restrictions and rules changing every day, it’s obvious that Hawaii needs a clear strategy to recover from the COVID crisis. Locking down the state and additional quarantine restrictions without adequate notice, simply is not working. Could rapid testing be the key to unlocking Hawaii travel?
Hawaii quarantine and other restrictions change frequently.
Yesterday we saw the 14-day quarantine extended yet again, this time until at least October 1. While in Honolulu, even more restrictions are in place with a partial lockdown of 80% of Hawaii’s population just reinstated.
Getting passengers back on flights to Hawaii.
For Hawaii’s travel industry to recover, passengers need to feel comfortable and safe with 5+ hour flights. But what will that take?
Airlines continue to point out what they’re doing to keep travelers safe. All carriers now require passengers to wear masks, some are still keeping middle seats open, and they are all doing a lot more cleaning and sanitization. Some people say the air on planes is safe, in part due to the HEPA micron filters. But why are we still not convinced?
Many in the travel industry feel that rapid testing could be a big help in reopening Hawaii travel. Our understanding is that these types of tests would require federal approval in order to be mandated for all passengers.
A United Nations taskforce was asked by airlines earlier this week to help add testing and remove quarantine requirements internationally, a concept that might well be applied domestically here in Hawaii. Otherwise, air traffic will simply not return for the foreseeable future.
Airlines and airports are asking for “a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of (upcoming) travel as the alternative to the quarantines that have decimated travel demand.” That according to Reuters and based on the request by IATA and Airports Council International.
“A test before departure could reduce the risk of importation by up to 90%, enabling air travel to be opened up between a large number of countries without a quarantine requirement.” Our thought is that a second subsequent test could reduce the risk almost entirely. Read on for that.
The problem with current COVID testing.
PCR testing is both slow and uncomfortable. Swabs are done of the throat or nose and must be sent to a lab for analysis. It can be a time consuming and expensive process with results taking hours and more likely days.
With labs often facing backlogs, and travel being the lowest priority, wait times can be excessive. PRC testing therefore can’t be done at the airport, also leaving the possibility of even becoming infected after testing and before your flight to Hawaii.
Enter Rapid COVID testing.
The first rapid tests lacked accuracy. New, ultra-fast gargle-and-spit tests currently in trial, however, are reported to be 95% accurate. Also, the FDA just gave emergency approval for a Yale School of Public Health saliva test, which is also said to be as accurate as PCR tests.
Fast, accurate, and low-cost COVID testing is likely one key to getting people flying again. And these types of rapid tests are fast gaining approval globally.
Is rapid testing a guarantee?
No, it isn’t guaranteed that someone tested does not have the disease, as COVID can incubate over some time. Therefore, we aren’t yet at the point where there exists a sure-fire single-test alternative to quarantine. In some places, like Iceland, they are adopting a two-test system to shorten the quarantine period from 14 to 5 days.
Whatever happens next, this will remain a rapidly changing situation here in Hawaii and globally over the weeks and months ahead.
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We spent 24 days on Kauai and Maui beginning in late June. After our 14 day quarantine (yes, we stayed inside our condo during that time) we noticed a few things as we traveled around the two islands. Every time we drove past a beach park, there were many family/friend gatherings, around picnic tables, with people sitting side by side. No masks. Sadly, until the populace takes Covid seriously, the #’s will grow. Rapid testing, treatments, and vaccines are helpful, but slowing the spread ultimately begins with personal responsibility. The effect on Hawaii’s economy is tragic. It ripples over to us on the mainland. Prayers for Hawaii.
Thank you for having updated information on your site.
My question is how/where do wet obtain the new Rapid Covid test and how do we get them to the airlines to be allowed on board?
Hi Deb.
Hopefully, we’ll learn more about that soon.
Aloha.
I don’t think Hawaii will open until the Governor & mayors are not replaced. We are just wasting time waiting. They are using the virus to treat people like sheep. They have forgotten we are human beings who need to live. And people die we don’t live forever. The virus is one cause of death but there are a lot of other causes too. They are power hungry and I say love to be dictators.
Aloha everyone
Does anyone on BOH have any first hand knowledge of the Yale test that I keep hearing about that has real short results time? I’ve read about results in 15-30 minutes with high 90% accuracy rates? Is that possible?
If that were ever to come to be, testing at the airport on departure would solve the problem.
ahalo
Bill
Hi Bill.
No, we do not have any first-hand knowledge.
Aloha.
have a wedding in july of 2021 need this virus gone so we can fly with no problems to maui!!!!!!
We are traveling to our property on Kauai in early September. I noticed that all the restrictions are currently in place, however, the “within 72 hr” requirement for pre-travel testing is no longer mentioned. Did I miss something or did the State of Hawaii finally come to the realization that 72 hrs was extremely difficult to manage. Please clarify for us.
Mahalo—-
Hi Bill.
There is no testing option/no exemption to quarantine until at least October 1.
Aloha.
When we get a new President that gets it and listens to the science and doesnt think that Covid19 is a vast conspiracy to destroy him things will get better quickly. I grow very weary of those who still to this day think its all a con. Its NOT I have had three personal friends die from it with no underlying conditions. Also if your upset with Hawaii by all means do not come back and allow the rest of us who care and respect her islands to be there instead. There are legions of us.
I understand your frustration, but Covid-19 does not care who’s President, Governor or Public health director. Covid-19 does not care if you’re Democrat, Republican or Independent.
Just when you think countries like New Zealand, South Korea or Japan have it under control they try to reopen and covid surges.
New York, New Jersey and California all Democrat run states have the highest death tolls.
I am sorry for your loss, but covid is here to stay we’re already discovering better treatments and hopefully soon a vaccine. Just like flu or pneumonia we’ll get a shot and learn to manage it, but people will continue to die from contracting it.
That is fact.
COVID may not care who leads the fight against the virus, but a lot of us do. Would you agree that a country of unlimited potential, science and resources now saddled with 25% of the world’s cases yet representing 4% of the worlds population represents a failure of leadership?
James in the first world The United States has the most unhealthy population.
We are one of the world leaders in heart attack and lung cancer death, but our biggest issue is with obesity and diabetes. Covid kills individuals that are obese with diabetes at an alarming rate.
It is our lifestyle that is killing us.
We also test more then just about anyone do think numbers out of India, Russia and China reflect an accurate total of those infected by covid. North Korea states that no one has been infected by covid, yea right.
Read your comment with interest until the last graph. We most certainly do not test more than just about anyone. We have a population of about 330 million yet have tested ~70 million and far below the avg daily suggested rate of 1.4 million By comparison South Korea’s tested nearly 100% of their population by end of the First month of the first detected case. 35 states are decreasing their testing week over week. We have clearly failed in a national response which only worsens daily.
Not sure why Paul C. is railing against Trump and those insensitive “mainlanders”. I read the online Honolulu Star-Advertiser several times a week and I think he is picking on the wrong villains here. The people of Hawaii, especially on Oahu, have had an alarming spike in cases due to large gatherings, i.e., weddings, grad parties, beach gatherings, and BLM protests. Tourists have not been mentioned as spreaders in any articles that I’ve read.
We may indeed have a new president come November. That is not going to ensure individual responsibility.
Correct. Irresponsible individuals no matter what state only worsens the situation for those that want to work and live life pre-covid. Do we have irresponsible Hawaiians? For sure. Is the solution to allow mainland visitors when they exhibit the same irresponsibility? Not so much.
you are spot on on the personal responsibility
Curtis,
Paul is actually a person who probably feels that native Hawaiians are not intelligent enough to take care of themselves. He is a Caucasian guy who believes only he and other Caucasians know what is best for “natives.” There has been only 44 deaths in all of Hawaii with CV19 and Paul says he personally knows 8% of those people. Uh-huh. This isn’t an attack on Paul, but more of an argument against paralyzing ridiculous fear, those who think they are superior… and Hawaii’s economy for the next decade. My argument is to open up safely now or risk Hawaii becoming a welfare state for ten years. Tourists are not the problem, fear and ultra bad Hawaiian politicians are.
Bob A,
Where the HELL do you get any of that from about me? Hawaiians are plenty intelligent. I have no clue what me being white has to do with anything? I certainly do NOT feel I know whats best for anyone but myself and certainly make zero assumptions or presumptions about native Hawaiians. Not sure why would even make this comment.
Yes the death rate has been low no doubt as is the death rate in my state Oregon. I never said I knew any Hawaiian who has died. I said I have three people in my life dead from Covid19 who had no underlying conditions were young and healthy. This isnt an attack? Really? All kinds of “ass”uming on your part with things you simply do not know about me.
Paralyzing fear ok sure 20 million visitors come to Hawaii each year from countries all around the globe. Until there is a way to verify that someone does not have covid19 I agree with Hawaii.
Ok fear and the economy. 170,000 american citizens have died from Covid19. Thats not fear thats reality. Your money and economy does no good for anyone if your sick or dead from the virus. Welfare state?
Tourists (not all but most) are slobs, wont follow social distancing guidelines and frankly even just basic sanitation.
Fear and ultra bad politicians? Have you not seen what has happened in Florida after Desantis threw the doors wide open? Come on man!
Hawaii is an island. All it would take is one case to spread it wildly across the island.
Most tourists are not “slobs” Paul C. There are way more “slobs” in Oregon… You know ANTIFA Central. Secondly, you are frightened unnaturally. One person with CV19!would not spread CV19 “wildly across the island.” Many have mentioned to you on this site that you should hide under your covers and let adults get back to work. Hawaiians need to work, open up safely. Not listen to White people from Oregon trying to bankrupt the native Hawaiians.
Stop it already! All this vitriol because of a spoiled vacation. Guess what? Try to find another country that will let you vacation if you are a U.S. citizen without stringent requirements (with a few) and mostly a closed door in Europe and other developed countries.
Let Hawaii manage its pandemic response based on their assessment since the federal response is zero. No crocodile tears about the tragedy to Hawaii’s economy when the actual reason is simply whining about one’s vacation gone kerflooy.
Actually Yes they are slobs, leave behind garbage and waste. Dont care about anyone but themselves. Are they all that way? Certainly not but we can clearly see people under quarantine flaunting the rules.
WTF does Antifa have to do with Hawaii? Oh and so what by default does that make you pro-fascist? Right ok.
I not frightened nor scared. I am cautious and that has led me to mostly a very healthy life.
Really? How do you think spreads start? One person to the next x10x10x10
Many have mentioned. Well guess what Bob A, I am essential personnel and have worked every single day thru this pandemic. The adults are wearing masks, social distancing and taking precautions. Those like you think this is a big hoax to destroy DT are not and are extending shut downs due to you not taking this seriously. I am sure the entire world is in on it right? Yes Hawaiians need to get back to work as do all however it has to be done correctly or you will have Texas and Florida on your hand in a state that has very few hospital resources.
Why would I want to bankrupt Hawaiians exactly? Grow up Bob A.
JamesB “Stop it already! All this vitriol because of a spoiled vacation. Guess what? Try to find another country that will let you vacation if you are a U.S. citizen without stringent requirements.”
Respectfully, the vitriol is not because of a spoiled vacation. It may be because of tens of thousands of spoiled vacations, weddings, family reunions etc. but not a “spoiled vacation.”
Most importantly, Hawaii is a US State, our 50th. It’s not Americans asking France if we can come to “their” country, it is our country. I live in California on the beach and we are open, we do not tell people from Arizona to stay away. The chance of death from CV19 is minuscule. I think those people terrified should stay in their homes. Wear masks in the shower, when they sleep and do not come out for five years, but the rest of us Americans should go back to work and travel freely within our country.
You have guys! That test from Yale will be a game changer. And you can take the test before leaving and upon arrival. That should close the door to any questions about infection from incoming tourist. It also will allow for everyone to get tested if they wish in a timely way. That timely testing thing is why S Korea did not have to shut down their economy and saved many lives. However, I’m not sure what the time frame for the release to the public is, given that the medical materials needed to make the test are widely available hopefully, it will be soon. Another unknown factor is what the state of Hawaii will do with this info.
Mahalo for your timely info Guys.
Hi Roy.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Thank you for keeping me in the loop.
A former islander stuck on the mainland.
Hi Mari.
Thanks.
Aloha.
As much as Hawaiian state government has been criticized the travel industry has done little to adjust to travel customers needs.
On Beat of Hawaii I’ve read story after story about the lack of cooperation when it comes to refunding a canceled trip. Especially with the airline industry.
Like government airlines have had more then enough time to adjust their refund policies to ease travelers concerns, yet they keep selling tickets to destinations that are quarantined and continue to force travel vouchers down our throats verses a cash refund.
The rapid testing is a great idea, but when testing positive at boarding airlines need to provide a reasonable clear covid refund policy. Until that happens many people will continue to be reluctant to plunk down the big bucks to fly.
Try being intubated. Thats uncomfortable
I agree with Brenda B. It’s not the fear of flying that’s keeping people from Hawaii. Rather, once you arrive, there is little you can do. A friend of mine is a pilot for Southwest airlines, and he says that his flights are at capacity most of the time even with the middle seats empty. Planes are sterilized after every flight, cabin air is exchanged with outside air every 2-3 minutes through HEPA filters that remove 99% of airborne particles, and people must wear masks. With restaurants shuttered except for takeout, excursions unavailable, restrictions at resorts and hotels, not to mention the 14 day quarantine, what’s the point?
Again, mahalo Beat of Hawai’i for the amazing work and incredible updates.
I’ve been sitting back and watching as everyone scrambles to find answers to situation with COVID-19. The testing is incredibly inaccurate and the methods are anyone’s best guess.
That being said, these are extremely trying times that we’re going through.
We here have lost an increasing number of friends and family members to this nasty virus. I only hope that one day normal comes back to our world.
Until the experts get it figured out, I hope everyone remembers that life is very precious and kindness is worth it’s weight in gold.
Aloha and stay safe guys!
Hi Pam.
Thanks. You stay safe to.
Aloha.
I think reliable rapid testing is ultimately the key. I’m a returning Hawaii resident & am sending my son back to Oahu first to attend UH (under the modified quarantine rule for students). I obtained a test for him (at no cost, no waiting), but 5 hrs. outside the 72 hour rule (no other appts. available). No clue if that’s going to be acceptable or not. The problem is the results take 3-5 days & he will have left by the time the results are ready. Technically, he is allowed to get on the plane & will need to be in quarantine until the result is complete. He received a call from a friend he visited in the mainland that he had tested positive & is asymptomatic. We believe that contact may be long enough ago, but we just don’t know. If my son tests positive, he’s already back in Hawaii & potentially putting his father at risk. I’d gladly have him stay put, but between the 72 hour window to obtain the test & the length of time it takes to get the result, I don’t see this being a practical option to safely open Oahu up to visitors & even returning residents. A quick result test seems to be the only viable option.
Getting a PCR test within 48 hours is NOT a problem. Air Tahiti has teamed with a clinic in LA that had my results in 16 hours! If They allowed travel just from LA with this clinics test, that would be 4 non stop flights a day with roughly 600 passengers, 24 working flight attendants, 8 pilots, all of whom will come there disease free, spend their money, and then go home. It will also give numerous airport and airline employees a paycheck, taxes will be paid, and so it goes. This from just one mainland airport. Honestly, I think Hawaiian government officials are using tourist as a scapegoat for a local spread of the disease. All the while allowing so called “essential” industries are allowed to move to employees around freely, spreading the disease.
With any proposed solution, if every proposal is met with “the problem is” Hawaii’s economy will continue to spiral downward! Homes will be foreclosed, renters will eventually be evicted, public deficits will explode, services will be cut, businesses will close, and layoffs will become permanent, and last but surely not least, locals will be forced to move to the mainland to seek employment. Really Governor Ige!! Be a leader, and safely allow tourist to come and spend their money and return with Aloha to their homes! Tourist are not the spreaders, and a negative PCR test within 48 hours of travel and a temperature check upon arrival is all that is needed! A tourist wanting to come to Hawaii will handle the logistics and expense without the direction of the State of Hawaii.
With respect to the citizens of Hawaii, I must say you have the most ignorant Governor in our country. You have lost billions and will not recover for a decade. Hawaii depends on tourists, like it or not.
We had to cancel our October trip this year and probably will plan for a mite welcoming place to vacation next year. For those frightened of your own shadow, shame on you. Hawaii could have opened up safely months ago.
With respect to BOB A Wrong that would be Desantis of Florida. Swung the doors wide open and boom big explosion of covid 19 I hope you never go again I am so sick and tired of people like you crapping on Hawaii and then threatening Im never coming back Seriously I hope you never do. Try going to any island paradise right now? Stop being a jerk
Paul C… Respectfully, I am not “crapping on Hawaii.” People who do not want the island to open up safely and having the native Hawaiians go bankrupt are crapping on Hawaii. We have been going to Kauai twice a year since I was a kid. I live in Manhattan Beach California. We welcome Americans from other states, including Hawaii. Wear a mask, social distance, wash hands and you’ll be fine. Closing a beach (fresh air) is moronic. Bankrupting an island is moronic. Hawaii waiting for a vaccine is moronic as no vaccine is 100% effective.
All those terrified should stay in their homes 100% of the time and not use their unhealthy fear on the rest of us.
Among the 45 countries with more than 50,000 COVID-19 cases, the U.S. has the eighth-highest number of deaths per 100,000 people: 47.93 deaths from the coronavirus for every 100,000 Americans. Belgium has the highest per capita death rate: 86.3 deaths per 100,000.
“But in terms of case fatality ratio, the U.S. is doing significantly better than many other countries. The country’s case fatality ratio is 3.3%, meaning that for every 100 people with COVID-19, only about three die.”
I feel like Ronald Reagan See there you go again. Sheesh
ALL other states besides Hawaii are COMPLETELY different and to equate Hawaiis hospital system say with what you have in California is well moronic. And you know as well as I do that many flat out refuse to wear a mask and socially distance. So how are you going to assure everyone does what is right when they come to Hawaii on vacation? You cannot. Thats the problem in of itself.
Who is terrified? You keep saying this as do most trumpers (not assuming thats what you are) Unhealthy fear? Do you realize a full on 50% of americans have SOME kind of an issue underlying condition, obeise unhealthy etc immune compromised? You and others keep crapping on that fact but it is a fact.
So your basically saying screw anyone who might die from this because they are fradicats right? And your statistics are all wrong but I would love to see where you got those statistics.
We could have and should have had this virus well under control but the guy on top thought it was a hoax and didnt take it seriously. Thought it was made up by the media democrats etc to destroy him. He still to this day does not take it seriously though it appears he may have actually had it or thought he did as he took one of the drugs that supposedly cures it.
What seriously is more important to you money or your life? You dont have to answer that because you have clearly stated money is more important.
Mahalo for keeping us up to the minute with this changing news. I do wish it were better news though. When I saw the headline today that it’ll now be Oct 1, or beyond, I finally broke down and cancelled my trip for the last week in Sept. Aloha till the spring.
Hi Vicky.
Thanks. Sorry to not have better news at the moment.
Aloha.
Keeping my fingers crossed as we already rescheduled our Kauai trip twice, now hoping to travel in May. University of Illinois also developed their own saliva test. It is quick, inexpensive and reliable. They can test up to 20,000 students a day. There has to be a good solution before the entire economy collapses and people lose the roof from over their head. Mahalo for all the updates!
Hi Niki.
Thanks.
Aloha.
My wife and I have no problem getting on a plane to Hawaii. It’s the mobbed airports. That’s way more concerning than a plane. Aloha
Hi Tom.
Got it. Thanks.
Aloha.
Please read the latest Washington Post article on the saliva tests. Yes, they are easy and accurate, but still a PCR type test. That means one would still need a lab to process. Since the U.S. federal government has still not mandated testing as a priority, nor directed all labs under the Defense Production Act to make testing a priority, as I write a 72 nor 48 hour test is realistic.
Th best models for airport testing are Germany and Heathrow, and they are experiencing results issues as well.
This sounds promising. To answer you question about why there isn’t testing now: Even if Hawai’i could get access to 35,000 tests per day (which is how many visitors arrived every day last year at this time), according to the Hawaii health Department, we can only process 5,500 per day. As it stands, even if they could ramp up processing the tests, there is a shortage of tests nationwide, and it would be impossible to get enough to test everyone on arrival. Hopefully this new rapid test will be the answer.
The Yale test is still PCR. Removes the collection issues and major time consuming steps in the procedure. It will be a few hours instead of 6. Really antigen testing in kit form like flu tests is the way to go. Hawaii needs to get it together fast! If
Sorry. A PCR means that one needs a lab to process, and labs are deluged with those probable positives. Travel is not a priority, and your tests will go to the back of the line.
Hey…we can do here testing they say within 72 hours…ny….but what if labs they delay….i already postponed twice….spent first class tickets AA….getting alittle sick about the lack of structure for re entry….trying to help local economy at our own expense…we come every year. Need a point of no return for november flight. God speed to all…..
I’ve been following the developments in rapid testing for a while now. What I don’t understand is Hawaii’s reluctance to embrace ANY kind of testing for travelers coming to the islands. They’ve certainly had the time and the federal government has provided hundreds of millions of dollars but we’re still without a solution as the economy continues to decay.
We all want to be safe and keep the Hawaiian population safe as well. It appears that there are multiple ways available to do this, yet there is no discernible action or plan from the State of Hawaii. How long must this continue?
JJ. Please read my post when moderated for an explanation. Also, in the article on BOH, they noted travel testing is not a priority for labs.
James B: The point is that Hawaii has made no effort to create its own, on-island lab capacity for testing – none. While I understand that mainland labs do consider travel testing to be a priority, the crushing economic damage to Hawaii due to lack of tourism makes travel testing essential here in Hawaii.
I have a difficult time understanding how Hawaii could be so far behind the curve with the time and money that they’ve had to address this issue. They are no closer to a solution today than they were 6 months ago when this all began.
Not only is there no apparent leadership capability in Hawaii state government, there is no management capability either. Add in a total lack of accountability and you have the disaster you see before you now.
Ok JJ what other state has? And be specific? I am in Oregon we cannot get tested unless we show signs. There is currently no travel test that can be done. same with WA CA from what I hear? So stop crapping on The Hawaiian government no one else has a system either
Paul C: Oregon’s economy isn’t 35% dependent on tourism. Hawaii’s is and the economy is dying rapidly. What we’re seeing today is only the tip of the iceberg. Estimates by UofH are saying that less than 50% of the closed businesses will manage to reopen. Their most recent study is pointing to 2029 for hotels to fully recover. There is a health emergency in Hawaii as there is elsewhere. There’s also an economic emergency that is being ignored. Hawaii has already borrowed billions of dollars that have to be repaid in 2 years. I don’t see how that will be possible with a collapsed economy.
The government that I’m “crapping on” has mismanaged this crisis from day 1. There have been no additional temporary medical facilities set up to handle hospital overflow that is getting ready to happen. Keep in mind they’ve had 6 months to address this.
They trained 4,000 contact tracers and only hired a small fraction of them. They were unable to keep up and the result is what we see today. The DOH now says its too late now for contact tracing to be effective. Rules change daily and by island. There is no actual plan to reopen the economy.
It sounds like Hawaii is being managed about as well as downtown Portland.
D e f e n s e P r o d u c t I o n A c t. I spelled it out because Governors have been in a bidding war for test materials, space, PPE, you name it. Why blame Hawaii when your federal government dismissed any responsibility for managing a national crisis?
Remember this phrase every time anyone begins to wonder,”What’s wrong with the leaders in Hawaii?” They reactive vs. proactive. Sums it up in a nutshell.
Totally agree. Not a priority with the state, but (particularly on Oahu) the parks are a mess, many of the roads are unusable, Filthy homeless people desecrate the beaches and sidewalks, abandoned cars litter the landscape, unemployment checks are delinquent. Should we really be surprised. In the meantime, those collecting paychecks are making decisions for those who are not, with no hope of tourism returning any time soon! Its a terrible shame!
Tahiti has it figured out. Here are all the details Governor Ige. Copy an Paste on Hawaii letterhead, inform the airlines and screeners at the airport, and let the economy begin to recover! Show some leadership and this doesnt have to wait till October. This could start next week.
Thanks, As someone who just returned from 11 days in Cancun, I don’t see this fear of flying you are speaking of. People are more upset about having nowhere to go once they get to a destination. Cancun was wonderful. The staff took the utmost care in cleaning and wearing masks. Social Distancing was observed and all of the tourists we spoke to had an amazing time. I so hope Hawaii can figure this out quickly. We cancelled 2 trips to Hawaii this year and thankfully found another wonderful beach destination.
I would never go to Cancun. There’s a reason it’s so cheap. Way too dangerous. You don’t see military snipers on hotel roofs in Hawaii.
But what happens if you test positive with this new test& can’t travel? Are there travel insurance comps that will cover this or will airlines& accommodations refund cost?
Really good question !
Most insurance companies are now excluding Covid 2 cover. Three reasons why Hawaii have slowed down their adoption of testing in place of quarantine. 1) Lack of CLIA testing stations who can provide testing and results within the required window, 2) Too many false results. Who is liable for your loss if you get a false positive and lose your money? Who is liable if you get a false negative and infect all the people in the cabin of your 8 hour flight? 3) Confusion between NAATD and PCR testing.
The industry needs to work with Governments around the world to agree which test, which time period, which standard to apply to testing locations and international acceptances of certificates. Anything else we be a disaster with travelers being sent back because UK tests are not valid in US or US test certificates are not valid in Japan for example.
Testing certificated and of the right type should be widely available at an affordable cost with a usable turn around speed. And the test reliability has to be sufficiently high to be effectove. No tests will ever be 100%.
To achieve uniformity and because it relates to interstate and international travel, it probably needs to be a federala program which each state having input on the program. For cost, availability of resources and implementability it has to work for Alaska as much as Florida, New York as much as Mississippi and Hawaii as much as Illinois.
Diane L: That is what concerns me. A vacation to Hawaii is not an easy undertaking for many and often is a Once in a lifetime trip. What happens if we fail the test 2 or 3 days prior to our flight? With everything up in the air – we certainly won’t be taking the gamble any time soon. Too many uncertainties. The loss would be too costly for the wallets of most. Sadly, many will move on to other sunny beaches. 😢
This is the most positive news i quite some time. I guess i will wait another week before i cancel my trip…
Might be wishful thinking.
I would think that the decision makers would find a way. The business owners/employers are the real victims.