End of US testing rule for international travelers draws both applause and concern in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Summer time journey is choosing up and it’s poised to get busier now that worldwide vacationers now not should present a destructive COVID check earlier than boarding a flight to the U.S.

However some are involved concerning the determination, particularly as Hawaii sees COVID instances climb.

UH Journey Professor Jerry Agrusa stated lifting the check requirement comes at a foul time.

“Most individuals wish to go and journey safely and in the event that they know that it’s safer, particularly with our Japanese vacationers, they’re very averse to any sort of hazard,” Agrusa defined. “And this, this really may harm us.”

Agrusa stated guests from Japan are an vital a part of Hawaii’s tourism trade.

Based on the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii noticed 1.5 million guests from Japan in 2019.

Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Affiliation, stated they wish to see restrictions lifted throughout the board.

COVID checks are nonetheless required earlier than boarding the aircraft again to Japan so Japanese vacationers might fear about visiting locations with excessive case numbers.

“We wish to make it straightforward for individuals to return right here for us to go to them after which additionally as they return again to their international locations and be capable to not face as many hurdles as they do,” stated Hannemann.

However Hannemann stated that is no time for the neighborhood to chill out as COVID instances might be an obstacle for individuals wanting to return right here.

“The very last thing that we wish to see is sustained will increase and optimistic check outcomes right here that we’ve labored so exhausting to lower over the previous yr,” stated Hannemann.

Well being consultants say Hawaii has been a COVID hotspot for weeks — with the surge headed into its third month.

The CDC recommends masks indoors and on public transportation.

Epidemiologist DeWolfe Miller stated lifting the check requirement is regarding.

“We now have loads of instances, we have now lots of people in hospitals,” stated Miller. “We now have lots of people who work within the hospital trade, docs, nurses, and so forth, who’re out sick.”

Though there isn’t a longer a testing requirement to fly into the U.S., the CDC recommends taking a COVID check earlier than and after touring.

“I’m nonetheless hoping everyone might be cautious and take the precautions that we have now accessible,” stated Miller.

Non-U.S. residents will nonetheless have to point out proof of vaccination.

The CDC stated the testing mandate may return if wanted. They are going to reassess the choice in about 90 days.

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