Hawai’i COVID-19 Daily News Digest April 6, 2020
Governor’s Office: Governor Ige Extends Condolences to Family & Friends of Two More Who Died Gov. David Ige, today, extended his deepest condolences to the families and friends of the latest Hawai‘i residents who passed away due to COVID-19. The governor said it is with a heavy heart that one of our O‘ahu neighbors passed away on Saturday, and then another tragic loss with the passing of a Maui man. Governor Ige commented, “It is extremely heartbreaking each time we learn of another resident who passes away from this virus. We are reminded daily of the devastating effect [...]
New Website for Mental Health and Homeless Service Providers
HONOLULU – Today, the Behavioral Health and Homelessness Statewide Unified Response Group (BHHSURG) launched a website to ensure the continuity of coverage of essential health and homelessness services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The website features resources for providers who work with mental health and homeless populations, including provider Q&A webinars, weekly newsletters, updates from partners, and guidance on using telehealth and personal protective equipment. The site also contains information for clients and consumers, such as guidance on everyday prevention and how to access services. The goal is to enable providers and the people they serve to find answers to common [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health reminds everyone that face masks are no substitute of physical distancing
HONOLULU – Across the state, customers and staff at pharmacies, supermarkets, and take-out food establishments are wearing cloth masks and using physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many local and national chain stores have established controls on how many customers can enter a store at one time. The Joint Information Center has produced a printable store-front poster to further encourage physical distancing, aimed at flattening the curve of new COVID-19 cases. Download the poster here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f3crddhm1dvx1e0/AADYxpbepZ5d_dpKPWFopOJHa?dl=0 “I’m pleased to see how quickly people are responding to the guidance to use face covering in addition to physical distancing and [...]
Hawai’i COVID-19 Daily News Digest April 5, 2020
Department of Health: Total Number of Hawai‘i COVID-19 Cases Rises to 371 Twenty (20) new cases of COVID-19 are all adults. Maui’s mayor announced a second case on Moloka‘i Saturday night and both of those cases are reflected in the Maui County numbers below. Eleven (11) of the new reported cases are travel-associated, two (2) are community related, and seven (7) are pending further investigation. There is a total of 371 cases reported in Hawai'i since Feb. 28, 2020. DOH reports the number of travel related cases is dropping and of greater concern are community-associated cases. Kaua‘i continues to [...]
Hawai’i COVID-19 Daily News Digest April 4, 2020
Department of Health: Fourth Death is East O‘ahu Adult An East O‘ahu adult male, over 65-years-old, is the 4th person to die from COVID-19. The individual passed this morning, and based on preliminary information, this case was travel-related in that the person may have been exposed to someone who had traveled. He had been hospitalized. The Department of Health offers its deep condolences to the family and friends of the individual at this difficult and sad time. Two minors are among the 32 new cases of COVID-19 being reported today. The majority of cases reported since tracking began [...]
Governor Ige and Hawai‘i Department of Health provide additional guidance on face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19
HONOLULU – Based on national guidance released today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and recommendations from county mayors and state legislators, Gov. Ige and the Hawai‘i Department of Health and the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency are formulating a statewide policy on the voluntary use of facemasks. Although there is no current data to demonstrate that homemade, cloth masks are effective for individual protection, it is reasonable to assume that wearing a fabric mask can help prevent the spread of infection to others. The CDC now recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public settings particularly where [...]
Hawai’i COVID-19 Daily News Digest April 3, 2020
Office of the Governor: Governor Ige’s Messages Today, our community received more tragic news of the passing of a third Hawai‘i resident from the COVID-19 virus. I want to extend my condolences to the family and friends of this individual. Together, with all of Hawai‘i we share their loss and express our deepest sympathy and support. This is the second Friday of my statewide state-at-home mandate. I know this is not getting easier. As I have said before, unfortunately, it is going to get worse before it gets better. With the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i increasing [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health announces 3rd COVID-19 death
HONOLULU -- The Hawai‘i Department of Health is reporting the death of a third individual with COVID-19. The elderly O‘ahu resident had been hospitalized in critical condition on life support for several weeks after returning from travel to Washington state. “We offer our sincere condolence to his family and friends at this difficult time,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “His death, the third death in Hawaii, is a tragic reminder of the virulent and contagious nature of this virus. We all must all work together to stop the spread of this deadly disease. Stay healthy by staying home, and [...]
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 HAWAI‘I COVID-19 JOINT INFORMATION CENTER DAILY NEWS DIGEST
Office of the Governor: Governor Ige’s Message on Second COVID-19 Death Today, our community received the tragic news of the passing of a second Hawai‘i resident from the COVID-19 virus. Dawn and I express our deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends. As we come together with expressions of sympathy and support – we must also remember to help each other, to protect your health and the health of loved ones and your community. Let’s all do our part to get Hawai‘i through this challenging time. https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/latest-news/office-of-the-governor-statement-on-hawaiis-second-covid-19-death/ Community Connections Live Chat with Gov. Ige & Dr. Sarah Park [...]
Five Tips for Conquering COVID-19 Stress
Edward Mersereau, Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Advice from DOH Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Edward Mersereau Feeling stressed and overwhelmed by the constant news about COVID-19 and its threat to our communities? You’re not alone. We asked Edward Mersereau, deputy director of behavioral health for the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), to share some tips on maintaining our mental and emotional health during this time. Mersereau is an expert on stress management, with a career in counseling and clinical social work spanning more than 25 years. He says social isolation doesn’t have to mean emotional isolation; there [...]