Feb 13, 2021
A COVID-19 variant has been discovered on Oahu. Maui County Managing Director Sandy Baz stated that in addition to social distancing, getting together in outside open spaces, and washing hands, the
” . . . key prevention factor is the same, wear a mask.”
However, in an email addressed to the Citizens COVID-19 Coalition, Lt. Gov. Josh Green agreed that state and county leaders need to encourage residents to acquire and wear better masks, specifically N95 masks, and for counties to provide incentives to do so.
A new study cited by the New York Times states that “the risk of dying of B.1.1.7. is 35 percent higher than it is for other variants.” The study encourages “wearing effective masks . . .”
mtanji@mauinews.com
Steve OâNeal, a former U.N. Disaster response team leader and Kauai resident, discusses tourist COVID-19 case numbers during a virtual town hall meeting Monday evening that discussed the continued impact of the coronavirus on Maui County. The Maui News / MELISSA TANJI photos
Government officials and community members disagree over whether or not tourism is to blame for the spike in COVID-19 cases in Maui County, though both feel that a second post-arrival test for travelers is needed.
Steve O’Neal, a former U.N. Disaster response team leader and Kauai resident, said during a virtual town hall Monday evening that he believed there has been a “steady traveler seeding” of new cases in Maui County in early November and December.