Hawaii not messing around when it comes to enforcing tourist quarantines

Monday’s “wanted” post on the Maui Police Department Facebook page included all the information one would expect: a photo, physical description, phone number to call with information. And a description of the Colorado woman’s alleged offense: “violating the Rules and Orders for failure to quarantine.”

According to police, the 31-year-old tourist arrived on Maui on Friday, acknowledged the state’s mandatory 14-day quarantine and said she would be at a hostel. Later, authorities got a call that she had canceled her reservation; when efforts to reach her failed, police took their search public.

The visitor dragnet is the latest example of how seriously Hawaii – a destination that attracted more than 10 million tourists last year – is treating the coronavirus threat posed by outsiders as new cases in the state have dwindled. Between May 12 and Tuesday, nine new cases have been reported statewide.

Gov. David Ige, a Democrat, on Tuesday extended the two-week quarantine rule for all travelers who arrive in Hawaii through June 30. For visitors, the rule means no leaving their hotel room for any reason but medical care. No pool, spa or restaurant. No beach or shopping. Just room service and the same view for two weeks.

“You’re looking outside and it’s absolutely beautiful,” says Jerry Agrusa, an associate

Dallas-based carrier anticipates its planes will be between 25% and 30% full in May compared to about 8% in April.

“It’s the first busy weekend for summer travel that comes at a time when airlines are seeing modest enthusiasm, and many people are holding on to trips that have been long planned,” said Brad Hawkins, a Southwest spokesman.

Delta Air Lines said it has seen a “little bit” of a bounce off the bottom, including an increase in domestic leisure bookings, and United Airlines has reported lower cancellation rates and “moderate” strengthening on U.S. and some international routes.

Weekend vehicle travel in the U.S. has rebounded to roughly 80% of pre-pandemic levels after reaching a low of 47% in early April, according to figures from traffic data provider Inrix. Weekend travel levels are also roughly on par with weekday volumes, suggesting more people are taking leisure trips during their days off, said Inrix transportation analyst Bob Pishue.

People are still avoiding long journeys, though some are going to places such as local or regional parks and other outdoor destinations closer to home, he said.

“People may be hesitant to travel a long distances, but they may not be so hesitant to not go to their local park or beach,” he said.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans and spring break parties in Florida showed that the risk remains for large-scale transmissions of the virus, according to Hilary Godwin, dean of the University of Washington’s School of Public Health.

Cases in the U.S. have been rising more slowly the past few weeks, less than 2% daily since late last week. On April 2, U.S. cases rose 9.2% in 24 hours, the peak before a gradual decline in the rate of increase.

When asked if reopening holiday activities, such as travel, would lead to a growth in new cases, Godwin said “realistically, I think it probably will .” Interacting with other people and moving around the country were both vectors for transmission earlier this year.

“It’s not like it’s all or none,” she said. Cautiously resuming travel and outdoor activity, while following sensible protections and monitoring for possible outbreaks, makes sense as the nation tries to restart the economy and return to a more normal existence, she added.

People should stay away from any place with large crowds where they can’t socially distance, or small groups where contact lingers for longer than 10 minutes. Those who are at higher risk of death from the virus – people older than 65 or anyone with health problems like lung disease, heart disease or diabetes – should consider even stricter social distancing.

“They should be socially isolating, including over this long weekend, which I know is going to be sad for a lot of people,” Godwin said.