THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS
Myra Ching-Lee Hawaii State Department of Health Epidemiological Specialist Inside the COVID-19 case investigation process with State Epidemiological Specialist Myra Ching-Lee. “Tracing the origins of a positive COVID-19 case is much like trying to solve a crime,” says Myra Ching-Lee, one of the Hawaii Department of Health’s (DOH) most experienced epidemiological specialists with more than 25 years on the job. When the DOH Disease Investigation Branch team receives test results from private labs, the real work for its disease detectives begins, piecing together information about a patient’s case. We asked Ching-Lee to explain some of the tricky, [...]
March 25 COVID-19 Daily Updates: Stay at home and work from home through April 30
Office of the Governor: Gov. David Ige’s third supplementary proclamation Monday, ordering the entire state to stay at home and work from home started today and continues through April 30, 2020 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Mar. 25 through Apr. 30. Essential workers are exempt. This order is intended to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/latest-news/office-of-the-governor-news-release-governor-ige-issues-statewide-order-to-stay-at-home-work-from-home-to-fight-covid-19/ Gov. Ige’s second supplemental emergency proclamation ordering all individuals, both residents and visitors, arriving or returning to the State of Hawaiʻi to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine takes effect after midnight, tonight. The mandate — the first such action in the nation — applies to [...]
For Selected Groups, Routine Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance Requirements Waived
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is waiving routine TB clearance requirements for selected groups to support COVID-19 mitigation efforts. The suspension will remain in effect through May 31, 2020. The suspension will support social distancing in the community to protect the public, especially vulnerable seniors and individuals with medical conditions that could increase their risk for COVID-19. Although TB tests for routine screening are mandated under Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 11, Chapter 164, the DOH determined that temporarily suspending the TB clearance for these selected categories do not pose immediate risks for tuberculosis transmission in the community. This [...]
Statewide Stay-at-Home Order: effective March 25, 2020 through April 30, 2020
Effective March 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. through April 30, 2020, everyone in the State of Hawai‘i is required to stay at home or in their place of residence. This supplement to Governor David Ige’s emergency proclamation was announced on March 23, 2020. Read the supplemental proclamation here. Under the proclamation, individuals may leave their home or place of residence only for essential activities, to engage in essential businesses and operations, and only if their work cannot be conducted through remote technology from home. Permitted Activities Outside the Home or Place of Residence Under the order, the following activities are [...]
March 23 COVID-19 Daily Update: Honolulu and Maui Stay-at-Home Orders
Honolulu and Maui Stay-at-Home Orders Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Maui Mayor Michael Victorino have issued stay-at-home, work-at-home orders for their islands. In the City and County of Honolulu the order takes effect today (March 23, 2020) at 4:30 p.m. and requires all residents to stay and work from home through Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Certain essential activities associated with identified essential businesses and services are not covered by the Mayor’s order. On Maui the Mayor’s order takes effect on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. and continues until April 30, 2020. Both orders [...]
Shelter-In-Place ordered for Honolulu and Maui through April 30; Curfew for Kaua‘i through May 3
Honolulu County: Effective March 23, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. anyone in the City and County of Honolulu is required to shelter-in-place, meaning stay at home and/or work from home, except to work for or obtain health care services, or for other essential activities. Under the order, essential activities include: Activities essential to the health and safety of the individual or of their household members. Obtaining necessary services or supplies, or delivering services or supplies to others, that are necessary to maintain safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences. Engaging in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing [...]
March 22 COVID-19 Daily Update: Governor’s Order for Self-Quarantine of All Travelers to Hawai‘i
Governor’s Order for Self-Quarantine of All Travelers to Hawai‘i Effective, Thursday, March 26, 2020, Governor David Ige has ordered that all persons entering the State of Hawai‘i to self-quarantine for 14 days or for the duration of their stay in Hawai‘i, whichever is shorter. Upon arrival, residents are required to self-quarantine in a designated location in their residence. Visitors will self-quarantine in their hotel room or rented lodging. Self-quarantined individuals may only leave their designated location for medical emergencies or to seek medical care. Failure to comply with all rules and protocols related to quarantines is punishable by fines [...]
Governor Ige orders mandatory 14-day quarantine for all individuals arriving or returning to the State of Hawaiʻi
Mandatory 14-Day Quarantine for all Individuals Arriving or Returning to the State of Hawaiʻi March 21, 2020 Gov. David Y. Ige issued a second supplemental emergency proclamation ordering all individuals, both residents and visitors, arriving or returning to the State of Hawaiʻi to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine. The mandate -- the first such action in the nation -- applies to all arrivals at state airports from the continental U.S. and international destinations and extends to other private and commercial aircrafts. “With the majority of Hawaiʻi’s COVID-19 cases linked to travel, it is critical that we further mitigate the spread of the [...]
March 21 COVID-19 Daily Update: Be Considerate When Purchasing Food and Supplies
March 21 Update Be Considerate When Purchasing Food and Supplies The DOH reminds the public to be judicious when shopping for food and essential goods so that kūpuna and others in need are able to purchase necessary items. The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) Harbors Division continues to manage Hawai‘i’s commercial ports–the lifeline for Hawai‘i communities for food, medical supplies, clothing, household goods and more. There have been no interruptions to the supply chain as a result of COVID-19. Who should be tested? Most people who are sick do not need to be tested. There is no specific medicine [...]
March 20 COVID-19 Daily Update: The Importance of Mental Health
COVID-19 Daily Update The Importance of Mental Health As we head into the weekend, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) encourages everyone to take care of themselves and heed the social distancing directives by Gov. David Ige and county officials. Here are four suggestions to keep busy and stay at ease: You can remain active and go outdoors while still complying with social distancing directives. Although all of Hawai‘i’s state parks and facilities are now either fully or partially closed, the forest reserves (https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/frs/reserves/) and Na Hele Trail and Access Program trails (https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/) remain open at this time. [...]