The island state of Hawaii is taking somewhat drastic measures to ensure those in self-quarantine will actually stay isolated. To help stop the spread of the coronavirus across the multiple islands that make up the state, Hawaiian officials have mandated a required quarantine period for anyone who even travels between the islands. Those who do go from one island to another will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

What happens if you break this order? Those who do not comply with the mandatory quarantine procedures will face a fine of up to $5,000, a full year in prison, or even both. This measure went into effect as of this morning.

While this measure may sound drastic, there are a few notable exceptions. "Those traveling for medical or health care are not subject to self-quarantine, as long as they wear appropriate protective gear and follow social distancing requirements," a post on the official Hawaiian Governor's website reads.

Those who do need to travel between any of the Hawaiian islands must fill out a form provided on the Governor's website. The form asks for the traveler's name, their destination, the duration of the trip, and the reason for the travel. This information will be used to keep tabs on those who do travel to ensure they follow the state's mandates.

Hawaii isn't the first state to implement fines for those who fail to comply to new social distancing and quarantine procedures. Earlier this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York City said those who refuse police orders to break up a gathering of people, or those that return after police have left, will also receive fines of $250 to $500. “They’re going to give people every chance to listen, and if anyone doesn’t listen, then they deserve a fine at this point,” de Blasio said in a press conference this past Sunday. “I don’t want to fine people when so many folks are going through economic distress, but if they haven’t gotten the message by now, and they don’t get the message when an enforcement officer’s staring them in the face ... that person then deserves the fine, so we’re going to proceed with that.”

RELATED STORIES