Category: Uncategorized

Proper Use of COVID-19 Tests Imperative
There is a current shortage of hand sanitizers and toilet paper in Hawai‘i in part because of the public’s over-reaction to COVID-19. The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) wants to avoid having the same shortage of COVID-19 test resources by making sure the public understands how to properly utilize the newly established screening sites.

If people who are well or experiencing mild flu-like symptoms go to the screening sites, there potentially may be insufficient testing supplies for those who critically need the tests, including older adults and those with existing health conditions.

The public should heed the following steps:

• First, contact your healthcare provider in advance to determine if you need to have an in-person visit with your provider.
• Your provider will determine over the phone whether you meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing.
• If your provider directs you to come in for a screening, bring a photo ID and insurance card.
• Your provider will take a swab for testing.
• The specimen will be sent to a private or state lab for the results. During this time, you are expected to self-quarantine at home until the test results are available, which could be up to 3 to 4 days.
• If you are healthy or experiencing mild to moderate flu-like symptoms, DOH urges you to stay at home and avoid an unnecessary visit to a screening site. The screening sites are only for those who are severely ill with COVID-19 symptoms.

Postpone or Cancel In-Person Events

The Hawai‘i Department of Health recommends postponing or canceling in-person events involving 50 or more people for the next eight weeks. Consider using technology to hold virtual meetings or other means when feasible.

It is important to note these are recommendations to encourage best practices for social distancing; not mandates. Businesses and organizations have the option to hold group events and meetings at their own discretion, keeping in mind that attendees should be two-arms-length or six feet apart when possible. Seniors and those with underlying health conditions who are at a greater risk for COVID-19 or respiratory illnesses should avoid attending public gatherings altogether.

Cruise Ship Being Rerouted 

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) Harbors Division and the U.S. Coast Guard are continuing coordination with Holland America Line’s Maasdam cruise ship, which is on its way to Hawai‘i. Initially, the Maasdam had a port call for Hilo, however that reservation has been canceled. HDOT is currently working to direct the ship to Honolulu Harbor so that disembarking passengers will have various flight options for departure out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). To date, there have been no positive cases of COVID-19 associated with the ship. It is important to note that the Maasdam will have been at sea longer than the 14-day incubation period prior to arriving in the Hawaiian Islands. Prior to port, all ships are required to call in advance with information on any symptomatic passengers. If there are concerns about passengers who are ill, the ship will be held out of port.

2-1-1 Call Center for Information on COVID-19

The Aloha United Way call center is open daily between 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. For information or questions about COVID-19:

• Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state
• Text 877-275-6569
• Email info211@auw.org
• Visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov

Four New Cases of COVID-19 Identified on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island

As of 2:00 p.m. on March 17, 2020 there is a total of 14 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. Four new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were identified: Two on O‘ahu, one on Hawai‘i Island and one on Maui. DOH is gathering more information on these cases.

COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 17, 2020 at 2:00 pm
(updated as new information becomes available)

Number of Confirmed or Presumptive Positive Case(s)*                              14

Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending)          12

Number of Negative Test Results                                                                      93

Number of Person Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision                           9

The 9 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision are all on O‘ahu. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH.

Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory such as the DOH State Laboratories Division.

*The CDC has advised states that respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV2 in a state and public-health laboratory will be considered “positive” with no need for further testing.

Presumptive Positive: Positive test results from a private laboratory requiring confirmation by a state public health laboratory.

Persons Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending.

Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff.

PDF: COVID-19 Daily Update March 17, 2020

March 16 Hawai‘i Department of Health Status Update

Three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 identified on O‘ahu and Maui

As of March 16, 2020, as of 3:30 pm, there are a total of 10 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. Three new positive results were announced today for two O‘ahu residents, and one visitor on Maui. The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring all of these individuals and supervising their isolation as well as the self-quarantine of their family members. 

COVID-19 testing is not for individuals who are well or experiencing mild to moderate flu-like symptoms

To help manage available healthcare resources for the public statewide, DOH advises everyone to take the following steps:

1. Stay home if you are experiencing mild to moderate flu-like symptoms.
2. Call ahead to your healthcare provider before going to a healthcare facility.
3. If your doctor would like you to come in for a screening, bring a photo ID and insurance card.
4. If your doctor decides that you meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing, he or she will provide a lab order for the test and take the swab for testing.
5. The specimen will be sent to a private or state lab for the results.

 

List of screening sites statewide now available on DOH website

A current list of Hawai‘i healthcare facilities offering screening for potential candidates for COVID-19 testing is now available on the DOH website at health.hawaii.gov/updates. A screening determines if a person meets the criteria for a COVID-19 test. The actual test involves taking a swab from the back a person’s nose and throat to test for the virus.

 

Definitions of isolation and quarantine

Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease. Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

 

DOH updates guidance on public events and group gatherings

To protect the public’s health and wellbeing, the Hawa‘i Department of Health is recommending for the next eight weeks that large, crowded gatherings or public events of 50 or more attendees be postponed, canceled or held virtually. When possible, attendees should be about two-arms-length or six feet apart. Elderly adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at a greater risk for COVID-19 infection or respiratory illnesses should avoid attending public gatherings.

 

DOE extends spring break through March 27 for all public and charter schools

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) is extending its spring break through March 27 for all public and charter school students. DOE will use the additional time from March 23 to 27 to plan for the implementation of social distancing within the school setting, arrange for professional development to support modified operations, and thoroughly clean schools. View the news release online here.

 

2-1-1 Call Center for Information on COVID-19

The Aloha United Way call center is open daily between 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. For information or questions about COVID-19:

• Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state
• Text 877-275-6569
• Email info211@auw.org
• Visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov

 

COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 16, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.

(updated as new information becomes available)

Number of Confirmed or Presumptive Positive Case(s)*                              10

Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending)             7

Number of Persons Under Investigation (closed, testing negative)            86

Number of Person Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision                            9

 

The 9 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision are all on O‘ahu. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH.

Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory such as the DOH State Laboratories Division.

*The CDC has advised states that respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV2 in a state and public-health laboratory will be considered “positive” with no need for further testing.

Presumptive Positive: Positive test results from a private laboratory requiring confirmation by a state public health laboratory.

Persons Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending.

Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff.

 

Additional test results received from private laboratories – individuals exposed during out-of-state travel 

As of March 15, 2020, there are a total of seven confirmed positive test results for COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. Three of the seven positive results were announced today for two O‘ahu residents and one visitor on Maui.  All of the cases are travel related and were exposed outside of Hawai‘i. The Department of Health received the three recent test results late yesterday from Clinical Labs of Hawaii and immediately notified Honolulu and Maui Counties and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The two O‘ahu residents are recovering in self-isolation at home and the Maui visitor is in isolation at a Lahaina facility away from the public. The Department of Health is monitoring all of these individuals and supervising their isolation as well as the self-quarantine of their family members.

A total of approximately 80 test results received from Clinical Labs of Hawaii yesterday are being reviewed by the Department of Health. Three of the test results were positive and the rest of the test results were negative. Some of the negative reports were duplicated and required additional review.

Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease. Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

DOE extends spring break through March 27 for all public schools

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) is extending its spring break through March 27 for all public and charter school students. The Department will use the additional time from March 23-27 to plan for implementation of social distancing within the school setting, arrange for professional development to support modified operations, and thoroughly clean schools. View the news release online here.

DOH Guidance on Public Events and Group Gatherings

To protect the public’s health and wellbeing, the Hawa‘i Department of Health is recommending large, crowded gatherings or public events be postponed or canceled. The Department of Health is recommending gatherings held in enclosed spaces that do not allow social distancing also be postponed or canceled or held virtually. When possible, attendees should be about two-arms-length or six feet apart. Elderly adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at a greater risk for COVID-19 or respiratory illnesses should avoid attending large public gatherings.

Wilcox Medical Center offering COVID-19 drive-up specimen collection 

Wilcox, along with Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s three O‘ahu medical centers – Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center and Straub Medical Center – began offering drive-up specimen collections on Friday, March 13. Regular hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Patients need a physician order for the test, along with a photo ID and insurance card. So, it’s very important for people to know that if they are interested in being tested, they need to contact their doctor first. Their doctor will determine the need for testing based on a number of factors, including symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath), travel history and/or other concerns for COVID-19. Should their doctor decide that the patient meets the criteria for COVID-19 testing, their doctor will provide a lab order for the test.

The Queen’s Medical Center – Punchbowl 

The Queen’s Medical Center – Punchbowl has established a triage center. A tent has been set up to screen patients for COVID-19 from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Only symptomatic people at risk who have doctor’s orders will be tested. The tent is only for those with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. Patients that need any significant level of care will be triaged into the main emergency room. Other healthcare facilities, including those on the neighbor islands, also have plans to establish similar COVID-19 testing sites.

 

Extended Hours for Public Calls to AUW 2-1-1 on COVID-19

Aloha United Way has extended its public call center hours to 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information or questions about COVID-19:

• Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state
• Text 877-275-6569
• Email info211@auw.org
• Visit hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov

COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 15, 2020 at 5 p.m.

(updated as new information becomes available)

Number of Confirmed or Presumptive Positive Case(s)*		7
Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending)		1
Number of Persons Under Investigation (closed, testing negative)		49
Number of Persons Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision		9

The 9 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision are all on O‘ahu. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH.

Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory such as the DOH State Laboratories Division.

*The CDC has advised states that respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV2 in a state and public-health laboratory will be considered “positive” with no need for further testing.

Presumptive Positive: Positive test results from a private laboratory requiring confirmation by a state public health laboratory.

Person Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending.

Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff.

As of March 14, 2020, there are a total of 4 confirmed positive test results for COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. Two positive results were announced today for two visitors on Kaua‘i who traveled from Indiana. The Department of Health received the test results last night and immediately notified the County of Kauaʻi and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The two individuals are in isolation under supervision and monitoring by the DOH Kaua‘i District Health Office. DOH is now working with the CDC to develop next-step response and mitigation initiatives. DOH will follow up with those who have had close contacts with those individuals. 

Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease. Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick.

At this time, at least three healthcare workers (one on Kauaʻi and two on Maui) have been excluded from work because of possible exposure.

Community Surveillance Testing Program

As announced earlier this week (https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/department-of-health-steps-up-testing-for-covid-19-about-200-tests-to-be-conducted-each-week/) the Hawai‘i State Department of Health launched a statewide surveillance testing program to identify cases and community spread of the coronavirus. Testing on the first two batches of samples collected statewide has been completed, and of the 62 random samples tested, all 62 were negative for COVID-19.

This is good news for Hawai‘i as positive results would have indicated “community spread” of the disease. While we cannot rule out community spread, the negative results are an encouraging benchmark.

Community spread is defined as cases that cannot be traced back to a traveler or those who came in contact with someone who has been affected by the coronavirus. The goal of the program to detect new cases quickly and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the United States.

Background on the surveillance program:

The Hawai‘i Department of Health, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is working with participating healthcare providers, primarily doctor’s offices and other outpatient settings, to collect samples to be tested for COVID-19. These are providers who normally collect samples from patients with respiratory symptoms to test for influenza. The Hawai‘i Department of Health will then randomly select from among those samples to test for COVID-19.

DOH Guidance on Public Events and Group Gatherings

To protect the public’s health and wellbeing, the Hawa‘i Department of Health is recommending large, crowded gatherings or public events be postponed or canceled. The Department of Health is recommending gatherings held in enclosed spaces that do not allow social distancing also be postponed or canceled or held virtually. When possible, attendees should be about two-arms-length or six feet apart. Elderly adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at a greater risk for COVID-19 or respiratory illnesses should avoid attending large public gatherings.

Clarification of COVID-19 Test Candidates

COVID-19 testing is not intended for all residents. Testing those who are well or at low risk for exposure is not an efficient use of resources. To ensure judicious use of resources, healthcare providers statewide are triaging and determining if their patients meet the criteria to initiate COVID-19 testing. Patients must have a physician’s order to be tested. 

This week, the Department of Health issued a medical advisory with risk assessment and management guidelines to healthcare providers to identify patients who are most at risk for COVID-19 infection. Those considered at high risk are those who have been living with an intimate partner, or are caring for a person who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19.

Those who are at medium risk are those who have traveled to an affected country or state, as determined by the CDC, within the past 14 days; have had intimate contact with a confirmed symptomatic person; or have had close contact with a symptomatic person without precautions.

Testing at the DOH State Laboratories Division is being conducted on Persons Under Investigation who are at high or medium risk.

Persons who are considered low risk are those who have been in the same indoor environment such a planes and restaurants without having close contact with a confirmed symptomatic person.   

The Queen’s Medical Center – Punchbowl 

The Queen’s Medical Center – Punchbowl has established a triage center. A tent has been set up to screen patients for COVID-19 from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Only symptomatic people at risk who have doctor’s orders will be tested. The tent is only for those with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. Patients that need any significant level of care will be triaged into the main emergency room. Other healthcare facilities, including those on the neighbor islands, also have plans to establish similar COVID-19 testing sites.

Matson continuing operations without interruption

Matson issued the following statement yesterday in response to concerns circulating in Hawaiʻi about service disruption: All Matson operations continue uninterrupted. Matson intends to maintain all service schedules as normal with three arrivals a week to Honolulu and twice a week calls to each neighbor island port. Matson is committed to taking all appropriate steps to ensure the continuation of services, including the deployment of reserve vessels if necessary to continue meeting the needs of our customers. Matson is monitoring developments closely and ensuring compliance with all United States Coast Guard and local, federal and international government reporting and prevention directives for maritime operations. Matson also has frequent and regular communication with the United States Coast Guard and Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation regarding commercial port operations.

Extended Hours for Public Calls to AUW 2-1-1 on COVID-19

Aloha United Way has extended its public call center hours to 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information or questions about COVID-19:

• Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state
• Text 877-275-6569
• Email info211@auw.org
• Visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov  

COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 14, 2020 at 4 p.m.

(updated as new information becomes available)

Number of Confirmed Case(s)*		4
Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending)		0
Number of Persons Under Investigation (closed, testing negative)		49
Number of Persons Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision		23

Of the 23 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision, 20 are on Oʻahu and 3 are on Maui. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH.

Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory such as the DOH State Laboratories Division.

*Today, CDC advised states that respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV2 in a state and public-health laboratory will be considered “positive” with no need for further testing. 

Person Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending.

Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff.

 

HONOLULU — With thousands of students off from school for spring break beginning next week, the Hawai‘i Department of Health is issuing guidelines families can follow to protect themselves against COVID-19 infection. Family members who are especially vulnerable include those who are 60 years and older, have a compromised immune system, or have existing health conditions such as diabetes, lung disease or a heart condition.

 

“We know that traditionally spring break is a time when families go on trips or spend more time at the malls, theaters, restaurants, and other places where the public gathers,” said Bruce Anderson, director of the Hawai‘i Department of Health. “We are urging families to be circumspect and exercise extra precautions to minimize the risks of COVID-19 transmission.”

 

New website to go live next week

The Hawai‘i Department of Health, in collaboration with other state agencies, is also developing guidelines for schools and for businesses and nonprofit organizations that are planning large-scale public events. These guidelines will be posted on a new, user-friendly website dedicated to providing easy access to COVID-19 facts and figures and timely updates. 

 

With an average of more than 7,000 page views of the Department of Health’s COVID-19 related webpages and more than 350,000 website visits since Jan. 20, the new separate website, scheduled to go live next week, will be easier to easy to navigate for the public.

 

Preventive measures

The Hawai‘i Department of Health has issued the following spring break guidelines to manage the spread of COVID-19 in communities across the state:

 

• Consider avoiding crowded or congested areas, including large public gatherings such as concerts, sporting events, conventions, religious gathers and other community events (the Hawai‘i Department of Health defines “large” gatherings as 100 people or more and allows for social distancing of people being six feet apart);
• Avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 high-risk destinations;
• If you or a family member is sick, remain home except to receive medical help; and
• Avoid those who are sick and have flu-like symptoms such as coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.

 

Minimizing risks

“While we do not want to limit family activities or recommend cancelling their plans for spring break, we are urging families to take steps to minimize their risk of infection,” Anderson said. “Many of these guidelines are the same messages that we have been issuing since the COVID-19 outbreak, but have heightened relevance during the spring break because the potential for person-to-person transmission with an infected person exponentially increases and this could lead to additional cases of COVID-19 infection in our state.”

  

If families are planning to go to the malls, movies and other locations, they should implement safe hygiene practices.

 

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing;
• Avoid touching high-contact public surfaces such as phones, doors, tables, keys, bags and lights;
• Use alcohol-based hand-sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol; and
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects on a routine basis.

 

Social distancing

“Here in the islands, we value a culture of aloha that is expressed with hugging and kissing,” Anderson said, “but we would like families to consider practicing ‘social distancing,’ which recommends staying at least six feet—a distance of two arms-length—between people.” 

These new practices may seem odd at first, but are effective in promoting health and wellness.

• Forgo hugging and kissing as greetings or farewells;
• Present a lei without a hug or kiss; and
• Handshakes are acceptable but remember to wash your hands,

 

Scheduled trips

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Hawai‘i Department of Health also have specific guidelines for families who choose to travel outside the state for spring break:

 

• When returning home to Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i Department of Health recommends family members monitor their health for a 14-day period from the time you left the area with widespread, ongoing community spread;
• If anyone in the family who went on the trip develops symptoms of a serious, sudden respiratory illness that includes a combination of fever, cough and shortness of breath, have mild symptoms (e.g., no fever but cough), are 60 years or older, or have underlying medical conditions, contact a healthcare provider before going to a medical facility; and
• Specific guidelines on travel are available at:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

 

Flu shots

A flu shot is another valuable tool to prevent and effectively manage COVID-19. Although the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it will reduce the number of flu cases. This helps to reduce anxiety and frees up healthcare professionals to focus on people affected by COVID-19.

 

DOH Guidance on Public Events and Group Gatherings

To protect the public’s health and wellbeing, the Hawa‘i Department of Health is recommending large, crowded gatherings or public events that include 100 people or more be postponed or canceled. These events include concerts and conferences, as well as professional, college and school sporting events. The Department of Health is recommending smaller gatherings held in enclosed spaces that do not allow social distancing also be postponed or canceled or held virtually. When possible, attendees should be no fewer than two-arms-length or six feet apart. Elderly adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at a greater risk for COVID-19 or respiratory illnesses should avoid attending large public gatherings.

 

Clarification of COVID-19 Test Candidates

COVID-19 testing is not intended for all residents. Testing those who are well or at low risk for exposure is not an efficient use of resources. To ensure judicious use of resources, healthcare providers statewide are triaging and determining if their patients meet the criteria to initiate COVID-19 testing. Patients must have a physician’s order to be tested. 

 

This week, the Department of Health issued a medical advisory with risk assessment and management guidelines to healthcare providers to identify patients who are most at risk for COVID-19 infection. Those considered at high risk are those who have been living with an intimate partner, or is caring for a person who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19.

 

Those who are at medium risk are those who have traveled to an affected country or state, as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, within the past 14 days; has had intimate contact with a confirmed symptomatic person; or has had close contact with a symptomatic person without precautions.

 

Testing at the DOH State Laboratories Division is being conducted on Persons Under Investigation who are at high or medium risk.

 

Persons who are considered low risk are those who have been in the same indoor environment such a planes and restaurants without having close contact with a confirmed symptomatic person.   

 

The Queen’s Medical Center – Punchbowl 

The Queen’s Medical Center- Punchbowl has established a triage center. A tent has been set up to conduct COVID-19 testing from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Only symptomatic people at risk will be tested. The tent is only for those with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. Patients that need any significant level of care will be triaged into the main emergency room. Other healthcare facilities, including those on the neighbor islands, are also have plans to establish similar COVID-19 testing sites.

 

Community Surveillance Testing Program

The first samples collected from the community surveillance program are being tested this week. The program, announced earlier this week, is being conducted in collaboration with the CDC. The tests are being conducted at the Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division.

 

The Department of Health will be testing samples from patients with respiratory symptoms that have been collected by doctor’s offices and outpatient settings statewide. The results will enable the state to identify and notify persons who test positive and take additional actions to try to stop the spread of the virus. The Department of Health will contact the provider and patient in the event of a positive result and provide further guidance. 

 

Matson continuing operations without interruption

Matson issued the following statement today in response to concerns circulating in Hawaii about service disruption: All Matson operations continue uninterrupted. Matson intends to maintain all service schedules as normal with three arrivals a week to Honolulu and twice a week calls to each neighbor island port. Matson is committed to taking all appropriate steps to ensure the continuation of services, including the deployment of reserve vessels if necessary to continue meeting the needs of our customers. Matson is monitoring developments closely and ensuring compliance with all United States Coast Guard and local, federal and international government reporting and prevention directives for maritime operations. Matson also has frequent and regular communication with the United States Coast Guard and Hawaii State Department of Transportation regarding commercial port operations.

 

Extended Hours for Public Calls to AUW 2-1-1 on COVID-19

Aloha United Way has extended its public call center hours to 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information or questions about COVID-19:

• Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state
• Text 877-275-6569
• Email info211@auw.org
• Visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov  

 

COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 13, 2020 at 2:30 pm

(updated as new information becomes available)

Number of Presumptive Positive or Confirmed Case(s)		2
Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending)		7
Number of Persons Under Investigation (closed, testing negative)		45
Number of Persons Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision		27

 

Of the 27 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision, 24 are on Oahu and 3 are on Maui. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH.

Presumptive Positive: A presumptive positive result is when a patient has tested positive by a public health laboratory, but results are pending confirmation at CDC. For public health purposes, a presumptive positive result using the CDC test is treated as a positive.

Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory.

Person Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending.

Quarantine: Individuals are required to remain in a designated location and separated from others. They are actively monitored by Department of Health staff. Quarantine is enforceable by law.

Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff.

 

No Direct Incoming Flights to Hawaii from Europe 

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation confirmed there are no direct, incoming flights from Europe to the U.S. The 30-day federal ban on flights from Europe except the United Kingdom begins Friday, March 13, at midnight. 

 

Extended Hours for Public Calls to AUW 2-1-1 on COVID-19

Aloha United Way has extended its public call center hours to 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information or questions about COVID-19:

• Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state
• Text 877-275-6569
• Email info211@auw.org

• Visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov   

 

Media Reports on Canadian Visitor to Hawaii

The Department of Health (DOH) has reached out to its federal partners regarding media reports of a Canadian visitor who, upon return to Canada, was confirmed positive for COVID-19. DOH has not received any information on this individual at this point.

 

Tours Temporarily Suspended at Kalaupapa National Historical Park

DOH has temporarily suspended tours to Kalaupapa National Historical Park until April 11, 2020 as a public health measure to protect the vulnerable population of patients. The department will continue to assess the situation to determine when the suspension can be lifted. 

 

Community Surveillance Initiative

The Hawaii Department of Health is launching a statewide surveillance testing program to identify cases of community spread of the coronavirus. This additional layer of testing helps detect COVID-19 cases earlier, so that appropriate steps can be taken to contain the virus. About 200 COVID-19 tests will be conducted each week under the program. Samples collected for influenza testing from patients with respiratory symptoms will be randomly selected and also tested for COVID-19. These samples are collected by healthcare providers in doctor’s offices and other outpatient settings. The information will help responders understand the scope of the spread, if and when such a spread occurs.

 

Continued Contact Follow-Up

The Department of Health is conducting contact tracing and follow-up on the cases associated with the Grand Princess cruise ship, in addition to the traveler who recently flew from Hawaii to Washington State and back to Hawaii via Hawaiian Airlines. Healthcare workers exposed to the individual without proper precautions are being monitored for symptoms for 14 days.

Precautions for seniors

Seniors are at a greater risk for COVID-19, especially those who have underlying health conditions. Older adults and individuals with underlying health issues should avoid non-essential travel, including cruises. Neighbor island residents with scheduled medical treatment or follow-up care on Oahu should consult with their doctors. Seniors should avoid large crowds, wash their hands often, and keep medications and groceries on-hand.

World Health Organization (WHO) Reports

For the latest situation reports from the World Health Organization, visitwho.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports.

DOH advises people who think they may have symptoms of COVID-19 to contact their healthcare provider in advance of going to a medical facility.

• Tell your provider about your symptoms and any recent travel. Healthcare providers will discuss any possible cases of COVID-19 with DOH to determine if testing is needed.
• Consider utilizing tele-health services, if available.

• Avoid traveling or leaving home if you are sick, except for visiting your doctor after contacting them in advance.

 

Second positive case on Oahu

On March 8, DOH tested a second presumptive positive test result for an elderly adult who is hospitalized in serious condition on Oahu. The individual felt ill on March 2 in Washington State and traveled home to Honolulu on March 4. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been notified and trace back investigations are being conducted. The Oahu hospital has taken protective and preventive measures and is working with healthcare workers to ensure health and safety. Information is still being gathered and as more information becomes available, the public will be advised.

The first presumptive positive case was announced March 6. That individual was a passenger on the Grand Princess cruise in Mexico from Feb. 11-21. After arriving in Mexico, the individual traveled home to Honolulu with no symptoms. While home in Honolulu, the individual became ill on March 1, sought medical care and was tested on March 6. The individual is currently isolated at home and is being monitored daily by DOH. The department is conducting a detailed trace investigation to identify, notify, and provide guidance to all close contacts as quickly as possible.

Grand Princess cruise ship

To date, there have been 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (19 crew members and 2 passengers) on the Grand Princess cruise ship that made port calls to Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai on Feb. 26, Honolulu Harbor on Feb. 27, Lahaina, Maui on Feb. 28, and Hilo on Feb. 29. The Department of Health is working closely with the CDC to notify any passengers in Hawaii and trace all close contacts. 

 

The public is advised that exposure risk to tour operators and other hospitality services who interact with visitors on cruises is low. Companies should work on finding out which specific employees actually had close contact (close personal face-to-face contact for more than 10 minutes) with Grand Princess cruise passengers. DOH is contacting companies to gather this information. Companies are advised to notify their workers that there have been individuals from the Grand Princess cruise who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and the overall risk to hospitality workers is low.

 

State Laboratories Division testing

The Hawaii Department of Health is capable of conducting in-state testing for up to 250 individuals per week for COVID-19. Results can be ready within 24-48 hours of a sample being collected. This enhances the state’s prevention and mitigation response capabilities to further safeguard the health of people in Hawaii. 

 

COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 11, 2020

(updated as new information becomes available)

Number of Presumptive Positive or Confirmed Case(s)		2
Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending)		2
Number of Persons Under Investigation (closed, testing negative)		28
Number of Persons Under Quarantine		0
Number of Persons Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision		39

 

Of the 39 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision, 34 are on Oahu, 4 are on Maui, and 1 is on Kauai. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH.

 

Presumptive Positive: A presumptive positive result is when a patient has tested positive by a public health laboratory, but results are pending confirmation at CDC. For public health purposes, a presumptive positive result using the CDC test is treated as a positive.

 

Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory.

 

Person Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending.

 

Quarantine: Individuals are required to remain in a designated location and separated from others. They are actively monitored by Department of Health staff. Quarantine is enforceable by law.

 

Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff.

 

Guidance for schools and childcare programs

The CDC recently posted interim guidance for administrators of childcare programs and K-12 schools to plan, prepare, and respond to COVID-19. School closures have taken place in Japan and South Korea.

 

Business continuity planning

State and county agencies are actively preparing for continuity of business operations to deal with the potential impact of COVID-19. The goal is to enable ongoing operations during a public health emergency. To address concerns about workers who have traveled to China, DOH developed a list of frequently asked questions and answers to guide local businesses.

 

National travel advisories

Before traveling, review Travel Advisories and Alerts for destination(s) at www.travel.state.gov/destination. The State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide specific advice to travelers on their websites.  

 

Preventing the spread of misinformation and disease

The Department of Health is committed to sharing information as it becomes available. People are urged not to spread misinformation or inaccurate statements that are not confirmed, and keep updated and informed on the situation. Everyone can help prevent the spread of respiratory illness with these everyday actions.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from illnesses, including COVID-19. Keep in mind that supplies are limited and we need to make sure there are enough masks for our front-line health care workers. If you are sick then wear a mask to protect the people around you.
• Prepare for the possibility that people may want to stay home or may be asked to stay home to prevent the spread of illness.

• • If you have daily medication needs, have more than a week’s supply on hand and have as much on hand as your insurance will allow you to have.
  • Not everyone can afford to stock up on supplies or has the space to store them, but anything you can arrange in advance means one less inconvenience or one less trip to the store while you are sick.
  • Make family plans for the possibility of school or day care closures. Do some contingency planning in advance at the family level.

• Sign up for public notifications at health.hawaii.gov/news/covid-19-updates.

 

Screening of arriving passengers at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu

As a way to manage the spread of COVID-19 in the United States, foreign nationals who have traveled to China, Iran and certain European countries (except the United Kingdom) are currently being denied entry into the United States. The European countries included in the 30-day federal ban includes: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. These restrictions do not apply to legal permanent residents, immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation.

 

Enhanced passenger screening procedures at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport are in place for those who have traveled to these countries within the past 14 days. Airport passenger screening continues to be conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Customers and Border Protection (CBP).

 

Mar. 10 Update: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STEPS UP TESTING FOR COVID-19: ABOUT 200 TESTS TO BE CONDUCTED EACH WEEK

 

Hawaii is shifting its COVID-19 response efforts into higher gear this week by launching a statewide surveillance testing program to identify cases of community spread of COVID-19. This additional layer of testing helps detect COVID-19 cases earlier so that appropriate steps can be taken to contain the virus.Community spread is defined as cases that cannot be traced back to a traveler or to those who came in contact with a person who has coronavirus.

 

About 200 COVID-19 tests will be conducted each week under the new program. Samples collected for influenza testing from patients with respiratory symptoms will be randomly selected and also tested for COVID-19. These samples are collected by healthcare providers in doctor’s offices and other outpatient settings. The information will help responders understand the scope of such a spread when it occurs. Learn more.

 

CDC’s current national risk assessment

• For the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low, according to the CDC. There is not widespread circulation in most communities in the United States as of March 10, 2020.
• People in places where ongoing community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated risk of exposure, with increase in risk dependent on the location.
• Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure.
• Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure, with increase in risk dependent on location.
• The CDC keeps up-to-date information on situation development and available resources. Learn more.