Hawaii to reimpose COVID-19 restrictions as Delta variant surges

Mia Sloan checks the details of how to receive proof of her in-airport Covid-19 test results for a flight to Hawaii after being denied boarding earlier because her previous testing laboratory was not on Hawaii’s list of approved labs during the Covid-19 pandemic at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles, California, November 18, 2020. AFP FILE PHOTO

Hawaii will re-impose COVID-19
restrictions limiting social gatherings to avert straining the
state’s healthcare, Governor David Ige said on Tuesday, as the
rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus pushed
cases and hospitalizations in the United States to a six-month
high.

“I’ll be signing an executive order that will limit social
gatherings, effective immediately,” Ige said in a tweet.

In June, social gatherings were increased to 25 indoors and
75 outdoors statewide but now it will be capped to no more than
10 indoors and 25 outdoor.

Hawaii, with more than 60% of population fully vaccinated,
has witnessed a rise in cases by 168% between July 26 and August
8, according to the state’s department of health.

The latest guidelines will reduce the indoor capacity for
bars, gyms, restaurants, and social establishments to 50%, Ige
added.

“Counties will review proposals for all professionally
sponsored events (bigger than 50 people) and ensure appropriate
safe practices will be implemented,” the governor said.