Hawaii Considering Tougher COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

A surge in new coronavirus infections in Hawaii could warrant tougher COVID-19 restrictions on travelers. Lt. Gov. Josh Green said officials are closely watching the spike in COVID-19 cases, and if conditions worsen could take action. Sunday was a new one-day high of 893 cases in Hawaii. That’s relatively low, when compared to other states, but Hawaii is not well equipped to handle large numbers of hospitalizations. 392 COVID-19 patients were in hospitals Sunday.

Green said that if restrictions are implemented, they would come with at least a two-week warning. He said that “travel pre-testing may be challenged legally” since Hawaii is the only state to have successfully done it, and vaccination status is the standard promoted by the CDC. He said other interventions are more likely, such as having people show vaccination cards to get into gyms, restaurants and other public places.

“We peaked at 318 last year,” Green said. “I’ve cautioned the governor and the mayors that if our numbers go much higher, we are going to lose some citizens to COVID that should be able to get care.”

Gov. David Ige signed an executive order earlier this month that limits social gatherings to no more than 10 people indoors and no more than 25 outdoors. Patrons in restaurants bars and social establishments must also remain seated with parties maintaining at least 6 ft distancing between groups (with maximum groups size of 10 indoors and 25 outdoors).

HT: Star Advertiser