David Y. Ige

Have Fun Safely

(Honolulu) – This Memorial Day weekend is bound to bring thousands of Hawai‘i residents and visitors, who’ve first cleared their 14-day traveler quarantines, to our state’s beaches, parks, trails, and other outside spaces. Health officials and state leaders are encouraging continued social distancing, wearing of masks while around others or inside businesses, and frequent hand washing, as necessary for keeping the COVID-19 case count low or at zero.

Yesterday, at Maunalua Bay, a large group of teenagers tied numerous boats together and had a miniature flotilla. Not only were they clearly not socially distancing, they were also in violation of numerous of Governor Ige’s emergency rules, such as having boats less than 20-feet apart.

Gov. Ige said, “As you remember the sacrifices of our service members and celebrate graduates this weekend, please remember to have fun safely. Connect with friends and loved ones in ways that protect yourselves, your loved ones and our community. We’re all in this together and can keep our success going if we remind each other to keep up with safe practices.”

The emergency rules disallow gatherings of more than 10 people and require six feet of social distance unless they are members of the same family. Dr. Bruce Anderson, Dept. of Health Administrator said, “Please, please, if you have young people in your family, talk to them about how important social distancing is right now. The last thing anyone wants to happen is to have an asymptomatic family member infect aunty or uncle, grandmother or grandfather.”

Following this consistent direction has resulted in one of the lowest infection rates and death rates in the nation. This good news means each of us is doing our part with safe practices. Let’s ALL keep the positive streak going.

 

# # #

RESOURCES

(Video courtesy: Hawaii COVID-19 Joint Information Center)
HD video – Maunalua Bay mini-flotilla (May 21, 2020)
https://vimeo.com/421677479

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dan Dennison
Lead Public Information Officer
[email protected]
(808) 354-4263