Statewide mask mandate clarified in 15th proclamation

Posted on Nov 25, 2020 in Capitol Connection, Featured

Photo credit: oneoahu.org

Governor Ige has issued a 15^th COVID-19 emergency proclamation that extends and clarifies the statewide mask mandate as agreed to by all four counties and the state. The proclamation reads: “All individuals shall wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when in public settings.” The few exceptions listed in Exhibit J of the proclamation are now uniform across all islands. It was also noted that a face covering mandate has been in place in the state since April 25 when the governor signed the sixth emergency proclamation.

The 15^th emergency proclamation also specifies that “an owner or operator of any business or operation shall refuse admission or service to any individual who fails to wear a face covering, unless an exception applies.” Those who do not may be subject to enforcement, including fines and mandatory closure. In addition, the proclamation now requires all hotel operators in the state to adopt a COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan for each property. It also makes clear that it is the responsibility of the hotel operator to accommodate guests (on or off site) who become COVID-19 positive or have been identified as a close contact of someone who is COVID-19 positive. Hotel operators are required to submit their plan to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and publish it on their website.

The proclamation also extends the moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent until it expires on Dec. 31, 2020. To see the full proclamation, go to https://governorige.hawaii.gov/category/covid-19/covid-19-emergency-proclamations/