As Hawaii nears having 60% of the population fully vaccinated for COVID-19, Gov. David Ige announced Thursday the state will relax travel and gathering restrictions starting July 8.
Officials expect have 60% of the state’s population will be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 on or about July 8, Ige said.
“This means we will be safely able to relax some of the travel and social restrictions currently in place,” he said.
Effective July 8, Ige said, domestic travelers who are fully vaccinated will be able to bypass quarantine and pre-travel testing when coming to Hawaii.
“Travelers must be able to upload their vaccine records into the state Safe Travels program, they must bring a hard copy of their vaccine record with them on their trip to Hawaii,” he explained. “it will make it easier for residents to return home and for visitors to come and enjoy our islands.”
Also July 8, Ige said the number of people who may attend both indoor and outdoor social gatherings will be increased. For indoor gatherings, the maximum will be increased from 10 individuals to 25. Outdoor gatherings will be permitted to have up to 75 individuals.
Restaurants will also be able to seat up to 75% of capacity with maximum group sizes of 25 individuals indoors and 75 individuals outdoors.
Ige further stated that when 70% of the state’s population is fully vaccinated, all COVID-19-related restrictions will end. Ige estimated it would take a couple more months to reach the milestone.
“Everyone will be able to travel to our islands,” he said cautioning that all of the changes are subject to monitoring by the Department of Health.
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth did not take part in the press conference attended by the state’s three other mayors.
“The statewide vaccination goals will not effect the counties’s COVID-19 policies,” said Ige, referring to structured events like weddings. “I know that the mayors will be looking at these targets and adjusting their policies as appropriate.”
Roth said in a prepared statement released later Thursday by Ige’s office said he was glad the governor and mayors defined a specific date.
“By setting clear dates, we will be able to allow our overseas ʻohana to better plan their trips while allowing our businesses, families, and sports leagues to better prepare for the road to recovery that lies ahead,” he said.
The indoor mask mandate remain in place for the time being, Ige said, noting “we are evaluating that as we move forward.”