There’s no disputing that holidays are a catalyst for COVID-19 community spread. Earlier this year, in the weeks that followed the Fourth of July, Oahu’s infection case counts climbed. Since then, we have largely fended off out-of-control surges. However, the rest of this year could present our toughest challenge to date.

Lt. Gov. Josh Green recently credited compliance with public health directives for minimizing post- Thanksgiving troubles, rightly adding: “We will have to be just as disciplined through Christmas and New Year’s.” While making merry, limit get-togethers to small gatherings, and remember to keep your distance, mask up and wash your hands.

Rail could get $250 million reprieve

Even when it’s not Christmas, local governments have a habit of looking at Uncle Sam as a kind of Santa Claus. Witness the hopes of the city to receive $250 million in federal grant money for its hapless rail project. Language in the long-awaited congressional funding package would extend a deadline so the funds would not lapse.

When the bill was held up, worry lines reappeared. Even if $250 million is just a drop in the project bucket, a stocking stuffer would be better than a lump of coal.