Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth said no changes will be made to the County’s current emergency rules amid new record breaking statewide COVID case counts.

The emergency rules outlined in the Mayor’s COVID-19 Second Amended Emergency Rule No. 19 allow for social gatherings of 100 outdoors and ten indoors, as well as full capacity for business operations. In addition, the rules specify that events with crowds larger than the allowed numbers must be approved by the County and have proper COVID-19 mitigation plans in place. Sporting leagues are also permitted to allow for spectators at all County recreation facilities, pending approval of the Director of Parks and Recreation.

Indicators for a change to the current rules include, but aren’t limited to:

1. Drastic increase in hospitalizations;

2. Strain on medical resources needed to treat COVID-19;

3. Lack of adequate first responder and medical staffing;

4. Increased severity of illness

In a press release Mayor Mitch Roth said, “We remain encouraged by the low number of hospitalizations islandwide and believe that we are turning a corner in regards to the efficacy of the virus,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “Our administration is monitoring the situation intently and is prepared to pivot if need be. However, the data shows us that we can continue moving forward, and that’s what we intend to do. We need to keep businesses open and families working, so long as it’s safe to do so. Our ability to rebound from this pandemic and return to a vibrant Hawaiʻi Island is dependent on a healthy and thriving workforce, and having one means that we have to keep doors open and lights on.”