Governor provides timeframes for lifting restrictions on masks and restaurant capacity

After Governor David Ige gave the tourists the “all-clear” signal, Hawaii from 1.

Speaking to Honolulu Star advertiser Ige explained what the next few months might bring in terms of the lifting (or not lifting) of restrictions. Here are the most important findings:

The aim is to reduce the restrictions by the end of the year.

If everything goes according to plan, Ige’s target date to reduce or lift some of the restrictions is “end of the year”. This confirms that the current restrictions will remain in place during the upcoming holiday season.

The mask requirement for indoor use is based on the daily infection rate.

One of the most significant revelations in Iges’ comments is that he bases the continuation of his restrictions on the daily rate of infection. As of this writing, the nationwide average of new daily infections with COVID-19 is 121.

Ige said if that number fell below 100 and stayed there, he would consider ditching the indoor masks mandate.

The restaurant capacities are also tied to the daily case average.

Currently, restaurants on Oahu and Maui are limited to 50% occupancy. Ige said he would look to see if these restrictions were lifted if the daily average is and remains below 100.

Recently, bars on Oahu were granted extended opening hours and allowed to serve alcohol until midnight. Before that, they had to close at 10 p.m.

Large events like the Honolulu Marathon are allowed.

Ige gave the green light to the Honolulu Marathon due to take place in December, pointing out that it is an outdoor event that will be smaller than usual due to the lack of Japanese tourists.

It was an important statement because major outdoor events on the islands are still being scrutinized. For example, University of Hawaii football games that take place outdoors are still limited to 1,000 participants according to Iges own orders.

Details remain unclear, and we’ve seen this before …

Great news to hear that Ige say he will consider scaling back the restrictions and it is even better for him to set some specific criteria. However, we’ve seen something like this before.

In fact, this discussion does not come long after Ige traced back on an earlier promise to end the Safe Travels program, which requires visitors and returning residents to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to avoid quarantine once the population’s vaccination rate reaches 70%.

So while we look forward to new criteria, we must accept the fact that things can and probably will change. We will of course stay with the case and provide updates.