9 New Cases, New County Rules

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Molokai had nine new COVID-19 cases last week, according to the Dept. of Health as of Sunday’s data – two each last Wednesday and Thursday, and five new cases last Friday. Statewide, the average daily case count over the last week has been 604. 

A Molokai High School employee was among those to test positive last week. 

“Our school is taking the recommended precautions to ensure the safety of our staff and community, including notifying potential close contacts, closing and disinfecting impacted areas, sharing case information with the DOH and coordinating next steps with the Department’s COVID-19 Core Response Team,” wrote MHS Principal Katina Soares in a letter to the school community. The employee tested positive on Sept. 8 and was last on campus the same day. “If you have not been contacted by a member of our administration team, this means that you or your child are not considered a close contact. The DOH is the lead agency when it comes to contact tracing.”

Beginning Sept. 15, new Maui County Public Health Rules are in place further limiting social gatherings and requiring additional proof of vaccination. The limit for social gatherings indoors is now five, and 10 people outdoors. Proof of vaccination is now required to dine indoors. Unvaccinated people may dine outside or order take-out food, according to the county. The maximum capacity for restaurants, bars, gyms, recreational boating, ground transportation and commercial tours is now 50 percent of max capacity. Events of more than 50 people require an exemption, according to the county rules. For complete rule updates, visit mauicounty.gov.