The Hawaii Department of Health announced Wednesday that it will update its COVID-19 isolation and quarantine policies to align with the new guidance that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Dec. 27.

The new state policy, which goes into effect on Jan. 3, 2022, states that anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 — regardless of vaccination status — will need to isolate for five days and until symptoms are gone. They will also have to wear a mask for five days after isolation.

If a person who has received a booster, or who is fully vaccinated within the past six months (within two months for J&J shot) is exposed to COVID-19, they do not have to quarantine. However, they will need to wear a mask for 10 days and get tested on day five.

For people who are exposed to COVID-19 who are not fully vaccinated or haven’t received a booster shot, the policy states that they will need to quarantine for five days, wear a mask for five days after quarantine and get tested on day five.

Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, even if mild, “should stay home from work, school and other activities,” the guidance said. Individuals who experience symptoms should get tested.

“We are adopting the CDC recommendations as one part of our effort to blunt the current very rapid spread of the omicron variant,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “These guidelines are practical to implement, making it easier for people to do the right thing. The guidance also acknowledges the waning immunity we are seeing with time after initial vaccination. There is still much we do not know about transmission dynamics of the omicron variant. We will continue to follow the science. We should all anticipate that guidance may continue to evolve the coming weeks as we learn more.”

“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,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “Mask wearing is a key part of the updated guidance. We know how important masks are in reducing the spread of COVID-19.”

Information on vaccination and testing options can be found here.