Mayor exposed to COVID-19, tests negative

Mayor Michael Victorino tested negative for COVID-19 over the weekend after being exposed to two people at a meeting who subsequently tested positive for the virus, according to the county.

Victorino met last week with three unvaccinated Maui County residents who are opposed to state and county emergency health rules, the county said in a news release Monday afternoon. Two of the three residents later tested positive for COVID-19.

Although the three residents had negative results for the virus prior to the meeting Thursday, one of the attendees began experiencing symptoms and tested positive for COVID19 on Friday.

Another attendee then also tested positive.

Victorino learned of the exposure through a social media post late Saturday.

“I am disappointed that no one reached out to my office to immediately let me know of the positive test,” Victorino said. “That was irresponsible, and could result in the spread of the disease by myself and several executive staff members. We only found out about the exposure because of a social media post.”

Victorino’s staff who attended the meeting were also tested and were negative. They are fully vaccinated, the county said.

The group of residents sought the in-person meeting with Victorino to advocate for a town hall-style public event with others opposed to state and county safety measures.

“As the administrative leader of this county, I have a duty to protect county employees and the public,” Victorino said. “Therefore, due to the risk of encouraging in-person group gatherings, I will not be participating in an in-person town hall-style meeting, but I will continue to meet virtually with members of our community. I value all points of view.”