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Hawaii imposes new mask mandate
In a bid to end long standing confusion, Hawaii Gov. David Ige issued a new emergency order mandating the wearing of masks in public across the state.
He said it was imposed to clear up confusion of a previous order to follow mask rules based on individual counties across the state.
"All persons in the state shall wear a face covering over their nose and mouth when in public," the order states.
Businesses are subject to fines and ‘mandatory closure,’ if they don’t comply.
Health and tourism officials had said the previous rule was not clear and was creating confusion.
Individual violators could face a misdemeanor charge with up to a year in jail and fines of up to $5,000.
Despite the lack of clarity previously, the state health department says Hawaii has a mask wearing rate of about 86%, which is one of the highest in the country.
Ige also said new rules make each hotel responsible for how to deal with guests’ Covid-19 infections and initial contract tracing arrangements.
"Hotel operators are required to submit their plan to the Hawaii Tourism Authority and publish it on their website," he said.
The Governor also said Hawaii will join any nationwide efforts to combat Covid-19 if mandated under a new Biden Administration.
"We would participate in any kind of nationwide program. A consistent policy across the country is important to isolate the virus and stop it from spreading," Ige said.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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