Nursing homes, contagious Clauses, toy drive boost: News from around our 50 states From USA TODAY Network and wire reports, USA TODAY
Alabama
Montgomery: A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit challenging the state’s mandatory face mask mandate, which opponents claimed is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Keith Watkins, in a decision Tuesday, dismissed the lawsuit calling it a “shotgun pleading” that makes a lot of accusations without organization or solid legal claims. The same judge in October had refused the suit’s request to block the mask rule, which health officials have credited with lessening the impact of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus. The mask order, which was first imposed in the summer and extends at least through Jan. 22, requires anyone over the age of 6 to wear masks in indoor public spaces and outdoors when it’s impossible to stay at least 6 feet away from others. The lawsuit was filed by former Alabama Chief J
Some businesses in small Maui town get tourism boost
by The Associated Press
Last Updated Dec 16, 2020 at 10:28 am EDT
WAILUKU, Hawaii Some local shops and restaurants in a small town on Maui’s north shore say they have experienced a boost in tourism since the state launched a pre-travel coronavirus testing program in October.
Owners of stores in Paia, known for its small shops and its proximity to big wave surf spots, said the policy change has helped business in recent weeks, the Maui News reported Tuesday.
At San Lorenzo Bikinis Maui, Store Manager Breanna Racoma said business has been “pretty good” since tourists were allowed starting in October to bypass a 14-day quarantine and instead prove they tested negative before they travelled to the island.
dgrossman@mauinews.com
Manager Breanna Racoma smiles through her face mask Monday at San Lorenzo Bikinis Maui, a swimsuit and clothing store that has remained open for most of the pandemic. The Maui News / DAKOTA GROSSMAN photos
PAIA Local shops and eateries in Paia town that were shuttered for weeks to months at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic are starting to show some promise, with a few managers staying positive with the recent boost in tourism.
Owners of Soley Aloha Boutique & Gallery said “business is not like it was, but it’s getting better” since the state launched a pre-travel testing program in mid-October.