Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Calls on Hawai"i Officials to Enforce Restrictions to Prevent Coronavirus Spread

Statement

Concerned about the ongoing increase in COVID-19 cases in Hawai 'i resulting in new record highs, today Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) issued the following statement calling on state and local officials in Hawai"i to strengthen enforcement measures to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus:

"The spread of the coronavirus is outpacing efforts to contain it in our state, resulting in new record numbers of COVID-19 infections. There is a clear correlation between the increase of infections and those in bars and indoor locations who are not wearing masks or practicing physical distancing. If we don't get this under control now, it is only going to get worse. What is at stake is the health and lives of our loved ones.

"As such, I urge our State and County officials to step up enforcement of these requirements and temporarily close non-essential businesses like bars. What prevents this virus from spreading is -- first and foremost -- preventing exposure.

"In addition to improving enforcement of the rules in place, we must expand our testing capabilities, ensuring rapid results, and enlist hundreds more contact tracers who can work to effectively trace, isolate, and contain the virus so we can defeat it together."

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