Public Housing Authority taking multiple steps to protect residents
HONOLULU – Packing and distributing thousands of masks, distributing hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, and participating in COVID-19 outreach events, are just a few of the things the staff and management of the Hawai‘i Public Housing Authority (HPHA) have been engaged in. HPHA is working hand-in-hand with the Dept. of Health and the Hawai‘i Air National Guard (HING), at outreach events at its large public housing properties. These events are designed to educate the community about COVID-19 and to show people how they can stay safe and healthy. Anyone with flu-like symptoms are tested. The agency administers about 6,200 [...]
Recent spike in COVID-19 cases mostly community-associated
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Dept. of Health (DOH) is reporting an additional 18 cases of COVID-19 today, all of which were diagnosed in Honolulu. 15 of these new cases are in Hawai‘i residents and the residency of the other three remains under investigation. “This spike in cases and other recent daily spikes have been expected as people begin to move around more freely and more businesses are reopening,” said Dr. Sarah Park, State Epidemiologist. She continued, “It’s important to point out, that the vast majority of the cases we’re seeing in the state are being spread by what we [...]
Kaua‘i District Health Office announces CASPER COVID-19 survey results
LIHUE — More than half (57 percent) of Kaua‘i households have at least one person living in their home who has lost their job as a result of the pandemic, and the resulting economic strain is affecting the mental health of Garden Island residents. These findings were revealed in a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey conducted in April by the Hawai‘i Department of Health’s Kaua‘i District Health Office to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Kaua‘i households are relatively stable in terms of housing, food, and other basic necessities, one third are very [...]
Interisland travel and health forms now available online
HONOLULU – In advance of the reopening of interisland travel in Hawai‘i, on Tuesday, June 16, the Dept. of Health (DOH) is directing travelers to a new website, where you can download the mandatory interisland travel and health form. The details about new procedures related to interisland travel can be found at: health.hawaii.gov/travel. Governor David Ige said, “I know family and friends across the state are looking forward to getting together when the interisland travel quarantine is lifted on Tuesday. Flying between islands will be a different experience. We ask for your patience as the new procedures are implemented. [...]
17 additional cases of COVID-19 on O‘ahu in latest reporting period
HONOLULU – The Disease Outbreak Control Division of the Hawai‘i Dept. of Health is reporting a second day of relatively high coronavirus case numbers in Honolulu. All but one, of the new cases, are adult residents on O‘ahu. Two of the additional cases are related to a household cluster, where 12 individuals have now tested positive. Some 300 residents in surrounding households have been tested as part of community outreach and screening and all have tested negative, apart from those in the single household. State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said, “We always knew with the reopening of activities and [...]
Tuberculosis (TB) clearance requirements reinstated
TB clearance now available by phone or email for those who qualify HONOLULU — Tuberculosis (TB) clearance requirements for childcare, school, post-secondary institutions and for food handlers have been reinstated effective June 1, 2020. These routine TB clearance requirements had been waived temporarily through May 31 to support COVID-19 social distancing and mitigation efforts. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has resumed issuing clearances for these groups and now offers phone and email clearance for many people who may be eligible. The department continues to issue clearances for healthcare workers and patients in long-term care facilities. “The Department of Health [...]
Three people arrested for quarantine violations
Returning Resident Arrested by Special Agents HONOLULU – A-48-year old, Waikīkī area woman was arrested this morning by Special Agents from the Investigation Division of the Dept. of the Attorney General (AG) on quarantine violation charges. An investigation showed that Patricia L. Pian returned to Honolulu from San Diego on May 31. Witnesses reported seeing her swimming in the ocean a few hours after her return. She was also seen sunbathing with her husband and walking their dog. Pian was arrested in the hallway of her condominium building and charged with violating the 14-day mandatory traveler quarantine. She is [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health to disburse $30,000 to enable virtual visits with kupuna in skilled nursing facilities
HONOLULU - The Hawai‘i Department of Health is disbursing a total of $30,000 to 23 skilled nursing facilities in the state for communications devices that will allow seniors at these facilities to stay in touch with their family and friends during the current pandemic. Since mid-March 2020, skilled nursing facilities have prohibited visitors and nonessential personnel from visiting their facilities to adhere to strict physical distancing guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect vulnerable seniors in these facilities. “With restrictions on face-to-face, in-person visits still in place, the grants will provide the tools skilled nursing facilities [...]
Encouragement to Get COVID-19 Information From Official Sources
HONOLULU – Law enforcement agencies across the state are reminding Hawai‘i residents to only rely on official sources of information for the latest on the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues involving government agencies and their responses. Some social media sites have recently posted false information suggesting that out-of-state individuals are coming to Hawai‘i to cause trouble. Attorney General Clare Connors, the state’s chief law enforcement official said, “While social media can be helpful in distributing information broadly, everyone knows there are countless examples of where social media platforms have spread misinformation through false postings. We encourage readers and viewers to [...]
Economic Reopening and Reshaping Strategy Outlined Online
HONOLULU – Anyone interested in getting more detail on the State’s Beyond Recovery: Reopening Strategy, can now view the entire detailed strategy online. It was developed by the Governor’s Office along with the Hawai‘i Economic and Community Recovery Navigator in collaboration with many government agencies and business sector partners. The reopening strategy, presented by the Governor in late May, is informed by three guiding principles: save lives and prevent suffering, empower individuals with safe practices, and reopen and reshape Hawai‘i to be stronger and more resilient. A phased approach to reopening is already underway, with a continued focus on [...]