No more 14 day quarantine.. Reduced to 10
There’s good news for Hawai‘i residents who must be quarantined when exposed to COVID-19. Beginning today, the quarantine period has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days.
This updated guidance reflects the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this week. The shorter quarantine is intended to make it easier for people to comply with the quarantine without increasing the risk of spreading the disease in the community.
The previous 14-day quarantine period was based on the full incubation period of the virus. The maximum COVID-19 incubation period was imposed to reduce the risk of transmission. However, the 14-day period created physical and mental health challenges as well as economic hardship for those unable to return to work.
It’s important to note this updated guidance for a 10-day quarantine does not apply to those residing in congregate settings such as long-term care facilities, group care homes, assisted living facilities, correctional facilities, shelters, residential rehabilitation and treatment settings, or military recruit housing.
In addition, those who are in quarantine cannot have any clinical evidence of COVID-19 symptoms up to the time quarantine is discontinued and daily symptom self-monitoring must continue through day 14; those who develop symptoms within this time period should seek testing and self-isolate while awaiting results.
Since the virus is new and the guidance may change, the Department of Health will continue to closely monitor the information that would warrant a reconsideration of these recommended options.
