Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth is urging residents to implement safe practices through the holidays in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The Mayor’s request falls on the heels of a growing spike in daily case counts occurring across the state. With confirmed cases of the Omicron and Delta variants spreading throughout the islands and the US, we must continue the practices that have kept us safe throughout the pandemic. The request is not meant to deter residents from spending time with their loved ones for the holidays but rather to do so in a way that is safe for all of us. By following these simple guidelines, we can protect the health and well-being of our loved ones and our community at large:

• Avoid large gatherings, particularly indoors

• If you must gather indoors, do so in small groups and mask-up

• Wear your mask when not actively eating or drinking

• Don’t share utensils or drinks

• Sanitize and/or wash your hands regularly

• Distance as much as possible

• Trade hugs and honis for fist-bumps and shakas

• If you’re traveling, administer a home test before and after your trip

• Stay home if you’re sick, even if symptoms are mild; avoid crowds, and get tested

• Take extra precautions to protect kupuna, those at higher risk of severe illness, young children, and those who can’t be vaccinated

• Get a COVID-19 vaccination or booster shot.

In a press release Mayor Roth said, “We don’t want anyone to miss out on time spent with friends, family, and loved ones.  After all, that’s what the holidays are all about. However, we are asking that folks spend time in a way that is safe and protects the ones we love and others in our community. The community knows what to do, and we have all the faith that they will act in a way that is in the best interest of all of us. Our island is special because everyone cares for everyone, and that is how we have made it through the pandemic thus far, and it’s how we will make it through moving forward.”