Hawaii Extends Mask Mandate And Travel Restrictions Amid High COVID Infections

Hawaii Governor David Ige announced on Friday that he would extend the mask mandate along with other travel restrictions.

Ige said that his new proclamation will be in effect for the next 60 days. However, the extension of the emergency proclamation including the mask mandate and Safe Travels program may last longer.

Strict Mask Mandate and Travel Restrictions

This means that masks are going to be required in indoor spaces. Also, travelers are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours to avoid the 10-day quarantine.

According to Governor Ige, the average for new daily cases exceeds 300 in the last seven days. However, he noted that the number of daily cases improved since late August when the number was close to 900. But then, it’s still higher compared to last year’s numbers.

Ige mentioned that he was also watching closely whether or not there are enough beds and staff in hospitals. He notes that Hawaii’s location will make it difficult for patients to reach neighboring states if local hospitals become full.

Aside from extending the mask mandate and travel restrictions, Ige is also not allowing sporting events. This week, House Speaker Scott Saiki asked Governor Ige to allow a limited number of vaccinated fans to attend the UH football team games. Ige said that large gatherings pose a problem. Instead, he urged fans to just watch the game at home.

Don’t Go to Hawaii Until the End of October?

Earlier this year, Ige hoped to loosen restrictions once 70% of the state’s population received the vaccine. However, he noted that “everything changed” as the more contagious delta variant became the more dominant strain in the US. On Friday, 68% of Hawaii’s population completed their COVID19 vaccine doses.

In October last year, Hawaii’s tourism surged after the islands reopened to visitors. However, things went south a few months after. More tourists meant more COVID19 cases.

In August, Ige pleaded tourists to not travel to Hawaii at least until October. he said that “Hospitals are reaching capacity, and our ICUs are filling up”.

With Ige’s message, it managed to slow tourism down. The tourism industry experienced more cancelations. According to Tourism officials, more than there were more than 50,000 room cancellations after Governor Ige made the announcement.