Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced new restrictions April 17 intended to combat the spread of Covid-19 in the Aloha State.
A new mask rule mandates anyone out in public must wear a face covering, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The only exception for the mask rule is for people engaged in outdoor exercise and activities where social distancing can be maintained.
All state beaches are now closed. No sitting, standing, lounging, sunbathing or loitering is allowed, although it is permitted to walk across the beach or sandbar to enter the ocean for exercise.
Those out for boating, fishing or hiking can be in groups no larger than two people unless the group is part of a single residential or family unit sharing an address. Boats must stay 20 feet apart, as well as hikers. Customers at essential businesses are required to stand 6 feet apart, and face coverings are mandatory for workers.
Additionally, Ige imposed a moratorium on evictions through April 30 as the state's percentage of unemployed residents has climbed to 37%.