Delta Variant Prompts New Restrictions on Kauai

A new statewide emergency order includes new limits on gathering sizes and restaurant capacity on Kauai, the County of Kauai reports.

“On Tuesday, we announced 55 new cases on Kauai – by far the most cases we’ve reported in a single day,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “It is clear that we must work together to mitigate this current spread of COVID-19 and help to protect our young keiki, who are not yet eligible for vaccines.”

Governor David Ige signed the order as the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread at an alarming rate across Hawaii. Last week alone, the Kauai District Health Office confirmed 95 cases of COVID-19 on Kauai, including 25 children.

Effective immediately, social gatherings are limited to 25 people outdoors and 10 people indoors. Restaurants, bars, and social establishments remain open, with indoor capacity set at 50%. Patrons must be seated with their party, six feet distancing must be maintained between groups, no mingling is allowed, and masks must be worn at all times except when actively eating or drinking.

Gyms, fitness facilities, indoor exercise classes, and other high-risk indoor activities are also limited to 50% capacity, with masks required.

Parks, beaches, trails, campgrounds, pools, shooting and archery ranges, pools, and golf courses remain open with social gathering limit of 25 people.

The governor’s order requires counties to ensure appropriate safe practices will be implemented during events. Safety measures may include requiring patrons to provide proof of vaccination and/or a negative test result. No professionally organized event over 50 people can take place without county review of the event.

These changes are in effect immediately after Gov. David Ige signed Executive Order No. 21-05 on August 10th, 2021. To view the Governor’s Order visit http://governor.hawaii.gov/.