Mayor Caldwell provides guidelines for resuming in-person spiritual services

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, May 21, 2020

HONOLULU – Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today that starting Saturday, May 23, Governor David Ige has approved the City and County of Honolulu’s Order that allows in-person spiritual services on Oʻahu to resume with associated restrictions and recommendations. This reopening is consistent with the State’s reopening framework.

“Gathering together safely, praying together, and taking part in group worship is so important right now, as so many of our residents have been practicing physical distancing for months,” said Mayor Caldwell. “Religious services can be a key resource to help many of us get through these tough times since spiritual institutions can play a significant role in our emotional and spiritual well-being. Restoring these in-person interactions will allow people to connect again in a much deeper way.”

In-person spiritual services may be conducted starting on May 23 provided all persons present at the service must maintain six feet of physical distance between others, except members of the same household or living unit. Organizers are also encouraged to limit the number of persons attending their in-person spiritual services to ensure this physical distancing requirement is met and that appropriate COVID-19 mitigation plans and procedures are implemented.

These are just a few of the requirements for in-person spiritual services to resume operations. The full list can be found in an amended Exhibit A of the Mayor’s Ho‘oulu i Honolulu 2.0 Order (Restore Honolulu 2.0 Order).

HNN:  City allows in-person spiritual services to resume on Oahu this weekend

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Mayor Caldwell provides re-opening requirements for Oʻahu restaurants

News Release from City and County of Honolulu, May 21, 2020

HONOLULU – Mayor Kirk Caldwell announced today that starting Friday, June 5, in-person table service dining in restaurants in the City and County of Honolulu will be allowed following the City’s guidelines approved by Governor David Ige.

Bars and nightclubs remain closed at this time and no self-service buffets or drink stations will be allowed.

Restaurants on O‘ahu will be allowed to reopen beginning on June 5 under the following requirements, conditions, and privileges:

• Continued compliance with all State of Hawai‘i and City regulatory and legal standards for operating a food services business
• Compliance with Social Distancing Requirements (as modified in Section 12 of the Mayor’s Emergency Order)
• Dining groups must be limited to a maximum of ten individuals per group (regardless of household membership)
• Cleaning and disinfecting must be conducted in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance
• Restaurant employees must wear face coverings during their shift – cooks and kitchen staff that do not interact with the public are encouraged but not required to wear face coverings
• Hourly touch-point sanitization (workstations, equipment, screens, doorknobs, restrooms, etc.) is required
• Frequent hand washing/sanitizing by employees is required

The reopening of restaurants guidelines also include a pilot sidewalk/outdoor dining opportunity at certain restaurants that abut City properties, including certain sidewalks. Please see the guidelines for further information. The City will roll out its sidewalk/outdoor dining application and temporary permit form shortly for interested restaurants that wish to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

The full list of guidelines can be found in an amended Exhibit A of the Mayor’s Ho‘oulu i Honolulu 2.0 Order (Restore Honolulu 2.0 Order).

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