Social Media Posts Lead to Another Visitor Arrest in Waikiki
HONOLULU - A 23-year-old man from New York was arrested this morning by special agents from the Department of the Attorney General for violation of the mandatory 14-day quarantine rule and unsworn falsification to authority. Tarique Peters of the Bronx arrived on O‘ahu on Monday and posted numerous pictures of himself on Instagram. He allegedly left his hotel room the day he arrived and traveled many places using public transportation. Authorities became aware of his social media posts from citizens who saw posts of him - on the beach with a surfboard, sunbathing, and walking around Waikiki at night. [...]
Governor Watches National Guard Salute to Hawai’i’s Healthcare Heroes
HONOLULU – For a few minutes today, Gov. David Ige took a break from the endless meetings, conference calls, and administrative work associated with the state’s management of the COVID-19 crisis, to join others around the state in recognizing the sacrifices of the healthcare community. From a State Capitol 5th floor vantage point, the governor watched as aircraft from the Hawai‘i National Guard and the 15th Wing Active Duty airmen from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam flew three separate flyovers over 17 different hospitals and medical centers around the state. It was an occasion to recognize not only military members, [...]
University of Hawaii and Department of Health Partner for COVID-19 Contact Tracing Training Program
HONOLULU - The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) is partnering with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) to create a program to train personnel and community health workers to support DOH in conducting COVID-19 contact tracing. Health experts say extensive contact tracing is a key component to prevent the spread of the virus while relaxing stay-at-home-orders and restarting Hawai‘i’s economy. DOH at the peak of the first COVID-19 wave had over 100 contact tracers, including at least 30 volunteers from UH and other DOH divisions with backgrounds in public health, epidemiology, medicine, and nursing. This one-year, $2.5 million program will [...]
Governor’s Office – News Release: Gov. Ige gives first round of businesses greenlight to re-open
HONOLULU – Gov. Ige today signed a 7th Supplementary Emergency Proclamation(PDF) that authorizes the first group of businesses to re-open since the COVID-19 pandemic forced the temporary closure of non-essential businesses across the state on Mar. 25. The latest proclamation also allows residents to leave their homes to patronize certain businesses and activities under the new “Safer-at-Home” order. Under Phase 1 of the state’s re-opening, the following businesses and operations can re-open starting May 7, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. However, everyone is advised to check the restrictions in place in each county, as they may differ. Agriculture (non-food), such as landscape, [...]
Maui woman is Hawai‘i’s 17th coronavirus-associated death
HONOLULU - Hawai‘i is mourning the passing of another kupuna that may be associated with COVID-19 infection. Dept. of Health Director (DOH) Dr. Bruce Anderson said, “Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of another valued member of our community. COVID-19 is still a critical issue for everyone in Hawai‘i. Please follow social distancing guidelines and current emergency rules to help protect our most vulnerable people.” DOH reports the 17th death is a woman, over 60-years-old, with underlying medical conditions. She had been in the hospital at Maui Memorial Medical Center since late February. Her infection occurred in [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health distributes COVID-19 rapid test equipment and supplies to public health and clinical laboratories in all counties
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) State Laboratories Division (SLD) has distributed a total of 12 Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 rapid test instruments to all counties. The rapid coronavirus tests can produce results within 15 minutes when conducted in a certified laboratory. “Having this capability to test a critically ill patient within 15 minutes is a great tool in the fight against COVID-19.” Said Dr. Edward Desmond, State Laboratories Division Administrator. “It helps us detect the virus quickly and respond much faster to help the patient and inform staff to ensure safety measures are in place.” Six instruments [...]
Governor’s Office – News Release: Gov. Ige Extends Stay-at-Home Order Across the State Through May 31
Governor Ige extends stay-at-home order across the state through May 31 Mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers, eviction moratorium also continue HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige signed a 6th Supplementary Emergency Proclamation (PDF) extending the stay-at-home order across the state through May 31. “This was not an easy decision. I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-isolation and we want to return to normal,” said Gov. Ige. “But this virus is potentially deadly, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Thanks to our residents, we are flattening the curve, saving [...]
Two More Deaths From COVID-19 Brings Hawai’i Total to Twelve
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Dept. of Health is reporting two additional coronavirus related deaths late last night. These deaths bring the total in the state to twelve (12) since tracking began on Feb. 28, 2020. “We are saddened by these additional deaths and the toll the pandemic is taking on the families and friends of those affected,” said Gov. Ige. “This is a serious disease especially for those with pre-existing health conditions and older adults. It is critical that we all comply with the stay at home order, practice social distancing, and continue to wear a mask whenever we [...]
Kaua‘i District Health Office to conduct survey to assess COVID-19 Impact on Kaua‘i Households
HONOLULU -- The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s (DOH) Kaua‘i District Health Office (KDHO) will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response, known as a CASPER survey to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Kaua‘i households. Survey teams will go door-to-door, April 22-24, to 30 census tracts that are weighted towards more populated areas within the county. Seven houses within each tract will be systematically selected and surveyed. Survey teams are comprised of DOH staff with support from the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency, Kaua‘i Medical Reserve Corps, and the American Red Cross. Teams will be wearing [...]
Free, Downloadable Physical Distancing Posters & Infographics Available
HONOLULU – “Physical Distancing,” and “Social Distancing” have become among the most common of phrases uttered during the current COVID-19 pandemic, as people around the globe are encouraged to maintain at least six-feet separation from one another. In a multi-cultural location like Hawai‘i, where English is not the first language for many people, it’s important to try to communicate the physical distancing message. The Hawai‘i COVID-19 Joint Information Center, in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Dept. of Health’s Office of Language Access, and Anthology Marketing Group have created a bank of various sized, printable posters and infographics for businesses, media, [...]