According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, a spike in positive coronavirus infections in Hawaii has officials considering reintroducing stricter COVID-19 travel restrictions.
COVID-19 testing for vaccinated domestic passengers, as well as enacting other restrictions intended at preventing the spread of the coronavirus, Lt. Gov. Josh Green said.
Potential remedies include requiring people to present immunization cards in order to enter gyms, restaurants, and other public areas, as well as instituting curfews to curtail activities that might put further burden on health care facilities.
Sunday, August 22, was a record day in Hawaii, with cases reaching an all-time high of 893. Green said that 392 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized on Sunday.
“We reached a peak of 318 last year,” he explained. “I have warned the governor and mayors that if our numbers increase significantly, we will lose some individuals to COVID who should be able to get care.”
Since June 15, immunized tourists who received at least one shot in Hawaii have been granted a vaccination exemption. It was made available to domestic trans-Pacific travelers on July 8.
The vaccination exemption has been attributed to boosting domestic tourism in Hawaii over its highest level in 2019. Additionally, it has been blamed by some for boosting demand for tourism in Hawaii, which may contribute to coronavirus tolls.
According to Hawaii Safe Travels data, 31,054 tourists landed in Hawaii on Saturday. Twenty-six thousand six hundred and eighty-two of them were guests.
“We have around 900,000 visits each month, and we are solely responsible for everything,” Hewett explained. “You can never persuade me that those figures are correct. It’s like to assert that the moon is made of green cheese.”
Tutu Man Kawaikapu Hewett – a founding member of Hawaii Quarantine Kapu Breakers, an entertainer, and a former board member of the Hawaii Tourism Authority — stated that he favors immediately toughening Safe Travels entrance criteria as well as establishing temporary lockdowns and curfews. Additionally, he wants officials to tighten up on Hawaii’s coronavirus limitations.
“I am a grandpa, a father, and a great-grandfather. I’m determined to see that everyone survives this. I would support everything and anything that contributes to our safety,” Hewett stated.