To closely align with current CDC recommendations, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is revising the state’s COVID-19 isolation and quarantine policies.  The following changes will take effect Monday, January 3.

If a person tests positive for COVID-19 regardless of vaccination status they must:

• Isolate for at least 5 days and until symptoms are gone.
• Continue to wear a mask for five days after isolation.

If a person is exposed to COVID-19

• Boosted, or fully vaccinated within past six months (or within past 2 months if J&J)
• • No need to quarantine
  • Wear a mask for ten days
  • Get tested on day five

• Neither boosted nor fully vaccinated
• • Quarantine for five days
  • Wear a mask for five days after quarantine
  • Get tested on day five

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even mild symptoms, should stay home from work, school and other activities. Those with symptoms who have not been tested should be tested as soon as possible.

In a press release Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP said, “The new policies underscore the benefits of booster shots. People who are boosted and do not have symptoms will not need to quarantine after exposure to someone who is COVID positive.  Mask wearing is a key part of the updated guidance. We know how important masks are in reducing the spread of COVID-19.”

While the revised guidance is effective Monday, January 3, 2022, it will take some time to update printed and online material.

Vaccination and testing options are available at hawaiicovid19.com.