The Maui News

COVID-19 pandemic rules on Lanai will be eased as the island moves to safer at home — the second strictest level — on Thursday, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino announced Tuesday.

In addition, neck gaiters with at least two layers of fabric or worn doubled over across the mouth and nose are now approved facial coverings, the county said.

Gov. David Ige granted neck gaiters and safer at home on Lanai orders Tuesday. Residents and visitors on Lanai have been under the strictest pandemic orders, stay at home, since Oct. 27 when COVID-19 cases went from zero to more than 100. The Health Department reported 106 total positive cases on Lanai on Tuesday.

Under safer-at-home, residents and visitors are encouraged to stay at their residence or place of lodging, especially if health compromised, but may leave to conduct essential activities and government functions and patronize or operate essential businesses, a county news release Tuesday said.

According to the county website, the new rules will allow people to leave their homes or places of lodging for medical reasons and to obtain food and supplies; engage in outdoor activities, such as walking, ocean sports and hiking; care for family members, minors or those with disabilities; and work at an essential business or government function.

Travelers to and from Lanai still are required to quarantine, though there are exemptions for essential work and medical purposes.

The safer-at-home rules are in effect until Nov. 30.

“We have seen fewer positive cases on Lanai and believe the outbreak has been contained,” Victorino said. “Due to the vigilance of Lanaians, the restrictions on movement now can be lifted, although I still encourage residents and visitors to stay at home or at their place of lodging as much as possible.

“We continue to monitor cases on Lanai very closely, and I’m encouraged by the great amount of community testing by island residents to protect themselves and their community from the spread of COVID-19.”

The county has four levels for COVID-19 suppression and management based on daily case counts and virus control over a seven-day rolling average. The levels include recovery (minimal disruption); act with care (minor disruption); safer at home (moderate disruption) and stay at home (major disruption).