On Thursday, Kauaʻi moved into Tier 5 of its COVID-19 guidelines and ended its resort bubble program as the state's fully vaccinated rate neared 60%.
“Tier 5 will allow gatherings of up to 75 people outdoors or 25 indoors,” said Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami. “Restaurants, gyms, buses, and attractions will be able to operate at 75% capacity. Once Hawai‘i reaches 70% fully vaccinated, we will move to Tier 6 and eliminate all restrictions.”
The county’s resort bubble program also ended Thursday, the same day that Gov. David Ige eliminated the state's pre-travel testing and quarantine requirement for domestic travelers to Hawai‘i who have been fully vaccinated in the United States.
The Conversation talked to County Managing Director Mike Dahilig about the transition, the relaxation of restrictions, and the return of tourism.
"This Tier 5 shift will allow people to even more so go about their business, allow our businesses also to increase their capacity. But it also is a reminder that we're still not out of the woods yet," he said.
COVID-19 vaccinations are free and available to everyone age 12 and older. Most clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies on Kaua‘i now accept walk-ins. For details, visit kauai.gov/vaccine.
This segment aired on The Conversation on July 8, 2021.
