HONOLULU — Despite two months of rising COVID-19 numbers in the state, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he is not planning to reinstate mask mandates or other restrictions.

What You Need To Know

  • The state Department of Health’s weekly COVID-19 update on Wednesday reported 7,149 new COVID-19 cases over the previous seven-day period, bringing the statewide total to 265,571

  • Twelve new deaths were reported for the period, raising the statewide toll to 1,446
  • The average positivity rate for COVID-19 tests statewide now stands at 16.9%. Honolulu’s positivity rate over the last week was 18.5%

  • A third round of free at-home tests is available to every household in the U.S.

“My administration is not considering the reinstatement of any coronavirus restrictions at this time, including mask mandates,” Blangiardi said in a statement posted to his official Twitter account on Wednesday. “We will always work with our partners in the health care industry to consider all possible solutions to any situation that warrants our response.”

The state Department of Health’s weekly COVID-19 update on Wednesday reported 7,149 new COVID-19 cases over the previous seven-day period, bringing the statewide total to 265,571.

Twelve new deaths were reported for the period, raising the statewide toll to 1,446.

Oahu reported 4,922 new cases, followed by Hawaii Island (850), Maui (746), Kauai (460), Molokai (26), and Lanai (18). There were also 127 out-of-state cases.

The average positivity rate for COVID-19 tests statewide now stands at 16.9%. Honolulu’s positivity rate over the last week was 18.5%.

This marks the eighth straight week of increased daily average cases (925) and the positivity rate in the state.

The DOH is reminding the public that a third round of free at-home tests is available to every home in the United States. To order a set of home tests, visit here.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.