Roth tests positive for COVID-19

Mayor Mitch Roth tested positive for COVID-19 over the Christmas weekend, his office said today in a statement.

According to Roth’s office, the mayor was asymptomatic when he was tested and is currently experiencing mild symptoms related to the virus. The reason for testing was due to a close contact in his immediate household. Roth is fully vaccinated and received his booster shot earlier this month. His household is also fully vaccinated.

Roth was set to be out on vacation this week and will remain home to quarantine for 10 days, per county, state and federal rules, his office said.

“With the rise in cases happening across our state and on our island, we all need to do what we can to ensure that we can protect ourselves and those around us,” Roth said. “Getting vaccinated and, most

importantly, getting boosted can minimize the chance of severe illness and keep us out of the hospitals.

“I’m only experiencing minor symptoms because of the vaccines, and I would like to encourage all of you who haven’t gotten yours yet to please go ahead and do so. The virus is spreading at a rampant rate and will take a toll on our medical resources if we don’t all do our part. The power is really in our hands, and we have to take this seriously.”

The county is reminding residents to stay home if they’re feeling ill, mask up, distance when possible, and gather outdoors this New Year. All residents who feel sick or are in close contact with someone who recently tested positive should get tested. County-approved testing vendors can be found on the Civil Defense website at hawaiicounty.gov/testing. Vaccine and booster information can also be found on the Civil Defense website at hawaiicounty.gov/vaccination.