November 3, 2020
HONOLULU \u2014 Since the launch of the Safe Travels Hawai\u02bbi pre-travel testing program on Oct. 15, the first round of post-travel testing indicates very few travelers have tested positive for COVID-19 after arrival to Hawai\u02bbi. From Oct. 19 to Nov. 2, there have been 10 confirmed positives out of 11,027 tests conducted for a positivity rate of .091%.
The Safe Travels Testing Evaluation Program, or strategic surveillance study, collects and evaluates data from COVID-19 testing of travelers post-arrival to Hawai\u02bbi. The program is intended to gauge the frequency of COVID-19 among returning residents and visitors and determine the effectiveness of the Safe Travels Hawai\u02bbi pre-travel testing program.
\u201cThis surveillance study is one more layer of safety to complement the overall Safe Travels Hawai\u02bbi pre-travel testing program,\u201d Lt. Gov. Josh Green said. \u201cWe are at a critical point in the COVID-19 pandemic when we need to balance public health and safety with the economic well-being of our Islands, which as we know is also very much tied to the health of Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s people. We anticipate this study will serve as a guide for state leadership and policy makers on how to move Hawai\u02bbi forward.\u201d
To participate in the study, individuals must have also participated in the Safe Travels Hawai\u02bbi pre-travel testing program, which requires travelers to receive a negative nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) from a trusted testing partner 72 hours prior to departure to Hawai\u02bbi in order to avoid the State of Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s mandatory 14-day quarantine. Individuals are chosen via representative systematic selection to participate in the program by getting a second test one to four days after their arrival to Hawai\u02bbi. The second test is voluntary and free of charge to participants.
The State of Hawai\u02bbi has partnered with pharmacies, healthcare facilities and hotel properties to conduct testing on O\u02bbahu, Kaua\u02bbi and Hawai\u02bbi Island. The following are testing and sharing data for the study: Premier Medical Group, Hawai\u02bbi Pacific Health, The Queen\u2019s Health Systems, Doctors of Waikiki, Kaiser Permanente, Adventist Health Castle, The Resort Group and select Walgreens locations. Additionally, the study is evaluating post-arrival testing data from counties.
Dr. DeWolfe Miller, epidemiologist from the University of Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s John A. Burns School of Medicine, is leading the study in coordination with Hawai\u02bbi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), Governor\u2019s Office, Lt. Gov. Josh Green and testing partners.
\u201cThe results of this study will demonstrate if screening for symptoms and an NAAT test for COVID-19 is negative prior to travel to Hawai\u02bbi will be sufficient to keep Hawai\u02bbi safe from additional introduction of COVID-19 infection,\u201d Dr. Miller said. \u201cTo do that the project is screening (re-testing) a sample of arrivals.\u201d
The State of Hawai\u02bbi will fund up to $1.5 million for the program via CARES Act funding, as the program provides a critical layer of security for the overall Safe Travels Hawai\u02bbi pre-travel testing program. The program began on Oct. 18 and will run through Dec. 31, 2020. Regular updates will be given to policy makers and data updates will be available once-weekly to media and the public. The Safe Travels Hawaii pre-travel testing program may be adjusted based on the program\u2019s findings in the coming weeks. An overall report will be finalized once the study concludes.
For more information, please check https:\/\/hawaiicovid19.com\/
# # #
Media Contact:
Hawai\u02bbi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA)
Douglas Carroll
Public Information Officer
douglas.m.carroll@hawaii.gov
808-285-1516
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