Hawaiʻi County has reduced its indoor gathering limit from 25 to 10 as COVID-19 cases continue to surge statewide.

Managing Director Lee Lord signed the Mayor’s Second Amended COVID-19 Emergency Rule No.19 . for Mayor Mitch Roth due to Roth’s mandatory quarantine related to COVID-19.  The amended rule makes no other changes to the previous emergency rules

In a statement Mayor Roth, who is currently in isolation, said, “We know people are going to gather to celebrate the New Year, and we want to ensure that if they do, that they do so outdoors, where it’s safe.  The new variant is extremely transmissible and is spreading quickly. The science says that outdoor gatherings are much safer than indoors, and we would like to encourage all of our residents to adhere to the new limits. We don’t want to roll back any other restrictions, and the only way for us to ensure that we don’t have to is by doing what’s in the best interest of everyone in our community – mask up, distance when possible, and stay home if you feel sick.”