Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth tested positive for COVID-19 over the Christmas weekend, his office announced Monday.
Roth got tested after someone in his immediate household was identified as a close contact.
He was asymptomatic when tested and has since been experiencing mild symptoms. Roth is fully vaccinated and received his booster shot earlier this month. His household is fully vaccinated, the mayor's office said.
He will remain in isolation at home for 10 days.
“With the rise in cases happening across our state and on our island, we all need to do what we can to ensure that we can protect ourselves and those around us,” Roth said. “Getting vaccinated and, most importantly, getting boosted can minimize the chance of severe illness and keep us out of the hospitals."
"I’m only experiencing minor symptoms because of the vaccines, and I would like to encourage all of you who haven’t gotten yours yet to please go ahead and do so. The virus is spreading at a rampant rate and will take a toll on our medical resources if we don’t all do our part," Roth said.
Those on Hawaiʻi Island looking to get vaccinated can click here. Vaccinations are available for all residents aged 5 and over.
