Hawaii travelers who do not quarantine subject to $5,000 fine, prison time

Hawaii residents and visitors risk fines up to $5,000 and a year in prison if they don’t quarantine themselves for two weeks after traveling between the state’s islands.

Gov. David Ige (D) announced the new rules on Tuesday, saying everyone in Hawaii needs to do their part in the fight against the coronavirus.

“The dangers of COVID-19 require the serious attention, effort, and sacrifice of all people in the State to avert unmanageable strains on our healthcare system and other catastrophic impacts on the State,” Ige said in a statement.

The quarantine rules, which do not apply to workers performing essential duties, took effect Wednesday.

Tourists who travel between islands must remain in their hotel rooms and have food delivered to them. They are not permitted to receive visitors.

Only people seeking health care or medical attention may leave their quarantine zones and are advised to follow social distancing procedures detailed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hawaii has reported 209 coronavirus cases, with the highest concentration in Honolulu, with 157 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

Other states have started cracking down on residents and businesses that violate social distancing orders.

A pastor at a Florida megachurch was recently charged with unlawful assembly after continuing to hold services for hundreds of churchgoers, while a Louisiana pastor who called the virus a “political ploy” was arrested over similar charges.