Editorial: Can Hawaii reach Tier 3?

Let’s take this moment to indulge in a sigh of relief, even as we hold our collective breaths heading deeper into the holiday season.

It looks like Hawaii has mostly made it through Thanksgiving festivities without an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases. That is great news indeed, worthy of relief and some applause for heeding the smart “3ws” advice against coronavirus spread: wearing masks, washing hands and watching our 6-foot distances. That also entails protecting ourselves, and others, by abiding guidance against gatherings of more than five people outside of our households.

That latter is actually current city law, under “Tier 2” restrictions spelled out in Oahu’s COVID recovery plan. By now, residents are aware of Tier 2 restrictions, having been there since Oct. 22, which includes strict capacity limits at gyms, restaurants and retail stores. Being able to advance to Tier 3’s eased restrictions would be a huge boost, at least psychologically.

But two weeks away from Christmas, it’s now a long shot. Achieving Tier 3 involves reaching two goals: The rolling weekly average of new cases must be below 50 for two consecutive weeks, with the average positivity rate below 2.5% in that period.

Friday’s report showed Oahu’s rolling weekly average at 64, with a 1.9% positivity rate; on Thursday, that average was 66, with a 2% positivity rate. Those close, but not-quite-there, metrics had Mayor Kirk Caldwell on Thursday pleading for Oahu folks to push harder, for the collective discipline “to stay the course.”

Compared with the U.S. mainland, where COVID is surging and leaving many hospitals and health-care systems overwhelmed, Hawaii’s COVID rate remains relatively low, fortunately. But even as our islands are doing mostly well health-wise, the economy is in shambles. The collective suffering this year reminds us that this is no time to let our guard down.

We all deserve holiday cheer after the past nine grueling months — and that can still be enjoyed, but safely. Holiday shopping will spur more people to come in contact with others, but remember, take proper precautions.

And whether celebrations are limited to just five beyond the household, or Tier 3’s 10-person limit can be attained, remain responsible in small-group gatherings: Always mask, physically distance, wash hands, and if at all possible, head outdoors or enable lots of ventilation.

Ultimately this holiday season, the greatest gift of all will be good health.