Kaua‘i County to Move to Tier 3 After Spike in COVID-19 Cases

The County of Kaua‘i will move into Tier 3 of its Kaua‘i Business & Recreation Guidelines Thursday, May 6, based on the average new daily cases for the past two weeks.

Ahead of the tier change, the county has proposed modifications to the chart to better reflect its current situation. The modifications must be approved by Gov. David Ige.

“When we created the tier chart last year, we were facing the reality that any rise in case counts put our most vulnerable population at risk,” said Mayor Derek SK Kawakami. “It’s also important that the tier restrictions reflect where we are seeing transmission. Therefore, we are revising our tier chart to allow outdoor activities such as sports, while further limiting indoor group sizes. If you must gather with people outside of your home, stay outdoors and wear your mask.”

The proposed change moves the social gathering limit to five indoors and 25 outdoors, while allowing team sports to continue with COVID-safe protocols in place.

Officials report they are seeing many cases in children, who are not eligible for vaccine.

“If you have a child at your home, or are around children – such as teachers and coaches – please consider getting vaccinated to help protect them,” officials stated. “Mahalo to everyone who has already been vaccinated for stepping up to keep us all safe.”

Over 60,000 doses of vaccine have already been administered to residents, and all Kaua‘i residents aged 16 and older now have the opportunity to be vaccinated. Vaccination is free and appointments are widely available, including on weekends and evenings. For details, visit www.kauai.gov/vaccine. Those who plan to travel can protect themselves and their families by being fully vaccinated before traveling.

For more information on the county’s COVID-19 response, visit www.kauai.gov/COVID-19. For more information on the state’s COVID-19 cases or the state’s Safe Travels program, visit hawaiicovid19.com.