County releases graduation party guidelines

Big Island residents attending high school graduation parties are urged to follow county pandemic guidelines.

A notice issued today reminds residents that outdoor gathering sizes are still limited to 25 people, while indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people. These limitations will remain in effect until June 10 unless the county orders otherwise.

People attending or hosting a graduation celebration are also advised to heed the following guidelines:

— Spread out and maintain distance as much as possible

— Provide sanitation materials such as hand sanitizer

— Avoid using shared drink dispensers like kegs, punch bowls or pitchers

— Encourage guests to bring their own coolers

— Use individualized serving containers

— Wear masks as much as possible

— Check with all attendees after the event in case someone tests positive for COVID-19

— Food served buffet-style should have designated servers, wearing masks and gloves, to handle utensils, and food should be covered as much as possible.

“As we begin celebrating our graduates, we are relying on our residents to be accountable to their loved ones, neighbors, and community,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in a statement. “With these guidelines, we hope that those celebrating their keiki’s biggest accomplishments will be able to do so without putting others in our communities at risk. We have limited manpower to provide anything more than token enforcement of these rules and trust that the community will do what is best for our island. It’s why we have been so successful thus far, and it’s why we are going to be able to beat this virus very soon.”