Hawaii's New 14-Day Self-Quarantine Law Comes With Fines For Violators

With worldwide efforts taking place to avoid the further spread of COVID-19, the state of Hawaii is reinforcing its 14-day self-quarantine protocol that will restrict all residents and visitors from inter-island travel.

The revised mandate exempts only “essential workers” and are permitted to travel. They must, however, sign an Interisland Declaration Form, while tourists are strongly advised to wear protective gear like face masks and observe proper social distancing, said Fox News.

On the other hand, employees who are not “performing their essential roles” are encouraged to self-quarantine and prohibit their visitors to enter their “quarantine locations.

Violators who are caught not complying with the new law will be charged with misdemeanor and a hefty fine of $5,000 or up to a year in prison, the outlet added.

Hawaii's new rule also came in the wake of the the state's first COVID-19 death Monday. Hawaii News Now reported that the patient was a senior citizen living in Oahu with a history of “multiple medical issues.”

The man was recently hospitalized due to non-COVID-19 reasons but later tested positive for the virus.

The recent move to contain the spread of the flu-like illness has drastically changed Hawaii's famous tourism agenda as mandatory self-quarantine laws are affecting both locals and visitors alike, said the Associated Press.