Hawaii Considers Exempting Korean Travelers from 2-Week Quarantine

For Korean Travelers Tested Negative for COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The state of Hawaii in the United States is considering exempting Korean travelers who test negative for COVID-19 from self-quarantine.

Hawaii currently mandates a two-week self-quarantine for all international travelers.

According to Hawaii News Now on the 28th (local time), Governor David Ige stated that they are discussing a safe travel agreement with Korea regarding this matter.

Governor Ige said, "We first signed a safe travel agreement with the Japanese government," adding, "We have held consultations with New Zealand and Australia, and are also in discussions with Taiwan, Canada, and Korea."

Under this agreement, travelers intending to visit Hawaii must undergo a PCR test within 72 hours before departure, and those who test negative can submit their confirmation upon arrival in Hawaii to be exempted from the two-week quarantine.

Hawaii News Now reported that as the COVID-19 crisis prolongs and the number of travelers sharply declines, the state government is focusing on allowing travelers from countries with low infection rates to enter in order to revitalize tourism and the local economy.