New O‘ahu COVID rules and more fans in the stands
Posted on Oct 27, 2021 in Capitol Connection, Featured, Main
Some rules have been eased under the Safe O‘ahu Response Plan.
On Oct. 8, some good news arrived for UH sports fans, wedding and event planners and others looking forward to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. New Safe O‘ahu Response Plan guidelines were announced by Governor Ige and Mayor Rick Blangiardi that attempted to balance public health and leisure activities for a “new normal” life in Hawai‘i. At both indoor and outdoor seated events, all attendees will have to be fully vaccinated. They will also be required to wear masks, and no food or beverages will be served.
On Oct. 27, Mayor Blangiardi went a step further in announcing a plan that had state approval for seated and interactive outdoor events, but not for full capacity indoor events. The plan includes 100% capacity at outdoor seated entertainment events, such as UH football games at the 9,200-seat Ching Stadium. For details, go to https://www.oneoahu.org/safe-oahu-response-plan. The governor and the Department of Health are continuing to work with Mayor Blangiardi to mitigate COVID-19 transmission at full capacity indoor events (especially interactive activities) since they pose the highest risk for virus transmission because of mingling, eating and drinking for prolonged periods in spaces with limited ventilation.
The governor and the mayor are continuing to discuss the risks and the city’s responsibilities in responding to a surge in COVID-19 cases if one occurs following this easing of restrictions. As for allowing restaurants to go to 100% capacity, the governor is working with all the mayors and the restaurant association to find a way to reduce restrictions and still protect the community.