Roth Urges Residents to Be Safe During the Holidays

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth is urging residents to continue to employ safe practices through the holidays to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The request falls on the heels of a growing spike in daily case counts throughout the state.

“We don’t want anyone to miss out on time spent with friends, family and loved ones,” said Roth. “After all, that’s what the holidays are all about. However, we are asking that folks spend time in a way that is safe and protects the ones we love and others in our community. The community knows what to do, and we have all the faith that they will act in a way that is in the best interest of all of us. Our island is special because everyone cares for everyone, and that is how we have made it through the pandemic thus far, and it’s how we will make it through moving forward.”

With confirmed cases of the omicron and delta variants spreading throughout the islands and the mainland, the practices that have kept the Big Island safe throughout the pandemic need to continue.

The request is not meant to deter residents from spending time with loved ones for the holidays but rather to do so in a way that is safe for everyone.

By following these simple guidelines, everyone can protect the health and well-being of their families and friends as well as the community at large:

• Avoid large gatherings, particularly indoors.
• If you must gather indoors, do so in small groups and mask-up.
• Wear your mask when not actively eating or drinking.
• Don’t share utensils or drinks.
• Sanitize and/or wash your hands regularly.
• Distance as much as possible.
• Trade hugs for fist-bumps and shakas.
• If you’re traveling, administer a home test before and after your trip.
• Stay home if you’re sick, even if symptoms are mild; avoid crowds, and get tested.
• Take extra precautions to protect kupuna, those at higher risk of severe illness, young children, and
  those who can’t be vaccinated.
• Get your COVID-19 vaccination or booster.

The county wishes residents a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!