COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines Reduced to 10 Days

Effective today, the quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19 has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days, according to the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH).

The change comes in hopes to improve compliance without significantly increasing the risk of transmission in the community. The updated quarantine guidance is based on updated recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this week.

“We are following the CDC’s guidance for a shorter quarantine to address the mental and emotional health issues caused by isolation and to improve compliance,” said Dr. Elizabeth Char, director of DOH. “This updated guidance balances the ongoing need to control the spread of the virus in our state while also continuing to safely reopen our state and reducing the personal burden of quarantines on Hawai‘i residents. However, it’s important to point out that we’ll continue to closely monitor the evolving science for information that would warrant a reconsideration of these recommended options.”

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.

The DOH’s updated guidance for 10-day quarantines comes with certain stipulations:

-It 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.
-Those who are in quarantine cannot have any clinical evidence of COVID-19 symptoms up to the time quarantine is discontinued.
-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

Close contacts of those exposed to COVID-19 must adhere to all recommended mitigation strategies:

Correct and consistent mask use
Physical distancing
Hand and cough hygiene
Avoiding crowds
Environmental cleaning and disinfection
Ensuring adequate indoor ventilation

The new quarantine guidance does not modify any travel quarantine provided for in Gov. David Ige’s proclamations related to the COVID-19 emergency.