Honolulu, Hawai‘i – Hawai‘i State Senator Clarence K. Nishihara was informed today that he has tested positive for COVID-19, and he informed his colleagues and staff. This is the first known case of COVID-19 at the Hawaii State Capitol building. Senate President Ron Kouchi sent a memo to all staff informing them of the positive test result. The memo recommends all Senate offices close until further notice. More information will be provided as it becomes available. Senator Nishihara is a Democrat in his fourth term who represents Waipahu, Crestview, Manana, Pearl City, and Pacific Palisades on the island of O‘ahu. Website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/memberpage.aspx?member=nishihara

Hawai‘i State Senate President Ron Kouchi (D-Kauai) issued the following statement today after Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami instituted an island-wide curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily until further notice to reduce the spread of COVID-19. “I understand why Mayor Kawakami took this unprecedented step. His primary concern is the health and safety of all Kauai residents, and protecting our kūpuna. I commend Mayor Kawakami for taking action to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our community.” #COVID19 #Coronavirus #Kauai #DerekKawakami #RonKouchi

Senate President Ron Kouchi issued the following statement today: With confirmed cases of COVID-19 rising rapidly and evidence of community spread, Governor Ige must take immediate and drastic action to slow infections before our hospitals become overwhelmed. This moment is critically urgent and we cannot wait any longer. We see what is happening in other states that took too long to react. Now is the time for Hawaii to slow this incurable disease from devastating our community. Governor Ige must immediately order all residents to shelter in place for two weeks and shut down state operations. As recommended by our Senate Special Committee on COVID-19, we must immediately impose a 14-day quarantine on all incoming airline passengers and ban non-resident cruise ship passengers for the next 30 to 60 days. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HawaiiSenate #RonKouchi #DavidIge

This is a U.S. Department of State Advisory The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.  In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.  U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice.  Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips.  If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe. On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification.  These departures may limit the ability of U.S. Embassies and consulates to provide services to U.S. citizens. For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website. You are encouraged to visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Please also visit the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to see information on entry restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and urgent health information provided by local governments. Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The Department uses these Alerts to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the following numbers: 1(888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries or jurisdictions. If you decide to travel abroad or are already outside the United States: Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available. Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance. Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus. Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions. Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Visit our Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction. Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States Visit Keeping workplaces, homes, schools, or commercial establishments safe. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #TravelAdvisory #USStateDepartment #CDC https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/travel-advisory-alert-global-level-4-health-advisory-issue.html

A 25th Infantry Division soldier stationed here tested positive for COVID-19, marking the first time a U.S. service member has tested positive for the virus in the state of Hawai`i. The soldier is currently in isolation at their off-base residence. The soldier traveled to Las Vegas on March 13 and returned to O`ahu on March 15. Upon return, the soldier was placed into command-directed restriction of movement at their off-base residence and became symptomatic the night of March 18. The soldier was tested for COVID-19 on March 19 and determined to be positive on March 20. Tripler Army Medical Center health professionals are actively conducting contact tracing. The 25th Inf. Div. and U.S. Army Hawai`i have implemented all appropriate control measures to help control the spread of COVID-19 and military installations across Hawai`i remain at Health Protection Condition BRAVO as the risk level remains low. The 25th Inf. Div. and U.S. Army Hawai`i encourage all personnel to continue practicing strict proper hygiene procedures as the best way to prevent spreading viruses and protect the force: wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, do not touch your face or eyes with unclean hands, avoid handshaking, practice social distancing, clean all common-use areas and items, use caution when traveling off-installation, and, most importantly, if feeling sick or ill, avoid going to work or school and seek medical treatment for proper diagnosis. The 25th Infantry Division, ‘Tropic Lightning’, is America’s Pacific Division. Tropic Lightning provides the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command a uniquely tailorable force with the ability to rapidly respond to contingencies across the Pacific. Tropic Lightning Soldiers, a reliable, credible, and disciplined force, continuously works with partners and allies to prepare for shared challenges. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #USArmy #TropicLightning #25thInfantry

The Hawaii State Department of Education will be implementing the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program a few months earlier than scheduled, as approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs (HCNP). During the extended Spring Break period, a total of 38 Hawaii public schools will be providing breakfast and lunch to children who are 18 years or younger. They will be able to stop by one of the designated schools (see list below) to pick up a grab-and-go meal. Adults who come to pick up a meal must be accompanied by their child. Breakfast service hours: 7:30 to 8 a.m. Due to food safety, the meal must be consumed by 10 a.m. Lunch service hours: 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) Due to food safety, the meal must be consumed by 2 p.m. Note: Meals will not be served on Thursday, March 26, which is Prince Kuhio Day. There will be no personal interaction between the Hawaii State Department of Education employees and the community. All meals will be placed in containers. Meals will be located outside of the cafeteria, preferably closest to a driveway or other natural access point on the campus. There will be no access to the cafeteria. List of Grab-and-Go Meal School Sites Honolulu District ● Kaimuki High ● McKinley High Central Oahu District ● Leilehua High ● Makalapa Elementary ● Waialua High & Intermediate Windward Oahu District ● Kahaluu Elementary ● Kahuku High & Intermediate ● King Intermediate ● Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate Hawaii Island District ● Kau High & Pahala Elementary ● Kohala High ● Konawaena High ● Pahoa High & Intermediate ● Waiakea High Maui District ● Hana High & Elementary ● Kahului Elementary ● Kalama Intermediate ● Lahaina Intermediate ● Lanai High School ● Molokai High Kauai District ● Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School ● Kapaa High ● Waimea High The following schools will start on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 Honolulu District ● Sanford B. Dole Middle School ● Farrington High Hawaii Island District ● Honokaa High ● Kahakai Elementary ● Mountain View Elementary ● Waimea Elementary Windward Oahu District ● Kailua Elementary The following schools will start on Wednesday March 25, 2020 Leeward Oahu District ● August Ahrens Elementary ● Campbell High ● Kapolei High School ● Maili Elementary ● Nanaikapono Elementary ● Nanakuli High & Intermediate ● Waianae Intermediate ● Waianae High ● Waipahu Elementary Source: http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/DOE%20Forms/Emergencies/2020GrabandGo.pdf #HIDOE #Education #SSO #SeamlessSummerOption #NationalSchoolLuncheonProgram #StateOfHawaii

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 to treat COVID-19, so whether you test positive or negative, management of your illness will be the same. Individuals who are not sick should not be tested even if they have been exposed to COVID-19. Individuals who are sick with respiratory illness (e.g., fever and cough or shortness of breath) AND who are at a higher risk for severe respiratory infections (e.g., older people, those with chronic medical conditions including immunosuppression) should call their usual source of healthcare to discuss whether they should be tested for COVID-19 and/or other infections such as influenza. A provider’s referral is required to receive testing. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or community clinic in your area. Anyone having difficulty breathing should seek medical care immediately. If possible, call your healthcare provider first so they are prepared to receive you. Other people with mild illness should help protect our most vulnerable and conserve our precious supplies by practicing social distancing measures, monitoring their illness, and calling their healthcare provider if their symptoms worsen or persist. Social Distancing COVID-19 recommendations are changing the rules on how much physical distance individuals should keep from each other. Cancelling events that do not allow attendees to be at least six feet apart—the equivalent of two arms-length—and avoiding unnecessary physical meeting with others are proven strategies to mitigate the spread of the virus. The effectiveness of these initiatives largely depends on the cooperation and compliance from the public. 11 New Positive Cases on three islands As of March 21, 2020, noon, there is a total of 48 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. New positive results were received today for eleven individuals on three islands. Nine are Hawai‘i residents and two are non-residents. One person is hospitalized in intensive care, another person required a brief one-day hospitalization. Five people have a history of travel and six are pending investigation. In total, 41 cases are residents and 7 are non-residents. COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 21, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. HST TOTAL NUMBER OF POSITIVE CASES STATEWIDE 48 City & County of Honolulu 35 County of Maui 7 County of Kaua‘i 3 County of Hawai‘i 3 Definition of Community Spread Community spread is defined as cases that cannot be traced back to a traveler and have absolutely no travel related or involved connection with travel. We have been informed that there are residents of Hawai‘i who believe all COVID-19 positive cases originate from visitors to the state. Unfortunately, there is stigma developing against visitors in Hawai‘i. We’re asking the media to help people understand that of the 48 positive test results to date, 37 of them are the result of traveling residents. The majority of cases are residents who returned home after traveling. At this time, there may be residents returning home from a school that has closed or from other essential travel. It is important for all travelers to monitor their health for 14 days after traveling and to avoid exposing others and stay at home. Thank you for your assistance in reducing and preventing stigma and increasing understanding during this rapidly changing situation. Lab Testing More than 2,200 tests performed for people in Hawai‘i by private clinical labs to date. The DOH State Laboratories Division has tested 48 Persons Under Investigation (PUI) and 263 sentinel surveillance samples. The 263 sentinel surveillance tests have all been negative. These are representative samples taken from every county from people with flu-like symptoms who tested negative for influenza. 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 877-275-6569E mail info211@auw.orgVisit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov PDF: COVID-19 Daily Update March 21, 2020 #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HDOT #MaasdamCruiseShip

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) Harbors Division is announcing that today, six Hawaii residents, and an injured passenger and her spouse have been allowed to leave the Maasdam cruise ship docked at Honolulu Harbor. The eight passengers were processed by Customs and Border Protection agents. In addition, they underwent an enhanced medical screening which included a temperature reading, medical questionnaire review and travel history verification. No passengers in this group of eight had a fever or displayed any symptoms. The asymptomatic Hawaii passengers have been directed to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arriving at their residence. In addition, the injured passenger from Colorado, who had suffered a fractured leg, will see a medical specialist. She and her husband were screened as they left the ship. They also were directed to self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their stay here, whichever is shorter. All other passengers and crew will not be able to leave the vessel. “I am authorizing the Hawaii residents and the injured passenger to disembark,” said Governor Ige. “Allowing the Hawaii residents off the ship means they will avoid unnecessary air travel and reduces their risk of exposure to COVID-19. The woman with a fractured leg needs medical attention and therefore must be allowed off the boat.” “These are extraordinary times and I believe this is the appropriate course of action given that all State resources are currently directed at containing the spread of the disease on our islands,” said Director Jade Butay, Hawaii Department of Transportation. “HDOT is working to prevent the spread of the disease and is acutely aware that our state’s medical and other resources are at high risk of becoming overburdened during this crisis.” The Maasdam arrived at Honolulu Harbor Pier 2 at 6:30 a.m. It has approximately 850 passengers onboard. The Norwegian Jewel is scheduled to arrive Sunday, March 22. It has approximately 1,700 passengers on board. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on either ship to date. HDOT adheres to the U.S. Department of State global level 4 health advisory stating U.S. citizens should avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. For additional information please click here. Cruise ships are on a 30-day pause in operations that took effect March 14, 2020. Neither ship had originally planned to make Hawaii its final destination for passengers. The Norwegian Jewel had not planned to travel to the United States. There are 16 cruise ships that have canceled scheduled visits to Hawaii during the 30 day suspension in operations. For information regarding the Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) directive please click here. For additional transportation related information and resources please visit the HDOT COVID-19 webpage by clicking here. Source: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/03/20/hawaii-residents-and-injured-passenger-allowed-to-disembark-maasdam-cruise-ship-in-honolulu/ #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HDOT #MaasdamCruiseShip

PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting. --- HANA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 360) --- 1) HAIKU (24-HOUR WORK) Lane closure on Hana Highway (Route 360) in the northbound direction in the vicinity of Papaaea Road on Saturday, March 21, through Friday, March 27, over a 24-hour period, for retaining wall work. 2) HAIKU TO HANA (LOCAL ACCESS RESTRICTION) Hāna Highway (Route 360) between Kapakalua Road and Hāna Town is restricted to local traffic until further notice beginning March 18, 2020. The local access restriction is being put in place to address access and congestion concerns due to roadwork and vehicles along the two-lane highway. --- HONOAPIILANI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 30) --- 1) LAHAINA Lane closure on Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) in the westbound direction between Kai Hele Ku St and Aholo Road on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for road reconstruction and resurfacing. --- HONOAPIILANI HIGHWAY BYPASS (ROUTE 30) --- 1) LAHAINA Left lane closure on Honoapiilani Highway Bypass (Route 30) in the westbound direction between Honoapiilani Highway and Lahainaluna Road on Tuesday, March 24, through Thursday, March 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for landscape maintenance. --- KAAHUMANU AVENUE --- 1) WAILUKU Lane closure on Kaahumanu Avenue in the westbound direction between Kainani Street and Maui Lani Parkway on Friday, March 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for landscape maintenance. --- HIGH STREET --- 1) WAILUKU Lane closure on South High Street in the southbound direction between Malako Street and Keanu Street on Monday, March 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for tree trimming and tree removal. --- NORTH KIHEI ROAD --- 1) KIHEI Right lane closure on North Kihei Road in the eastbound direction at the intersection of Lower Maalaea Road and North Kihei Road on Wednesday, March 25, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for pavement reconstruction work. #Transporation #HDOT #Maui

PLEASE NOTE: Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice.  All projects are weather permitting. — HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) — 1) HONOMU Closure of single lane at a time on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in both directions between mile markers 14 and 16, Kolekole Bridge to Lepolino Bridge, on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for landscaping work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). 2) PAAUILO (24-HOUR WORK) Closure of single lane at a time on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in both directions in the vicinity of mile marker 38, Kaumoali Bridge, for guardrail installation work. Traffic flow in both directions will be directed with the use of temporary traffic signals. 3) PAAUILO Closure of single lane at a time on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in both directions in the vicinity of mile markers 35 and 39, East Paauilo Bridge to Kalopa Bridge, on Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for guardrail work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). 4) PAAUILO Closure of single lane at a time on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in both directions in the vicinity of mile markers 34 and 36, Mauna Kea Ranch Road to Hauola Road, on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for landscaping work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). --- KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) --- 1) PAHOA Closure of single lane at a time on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) in both directions between Ilima Street and Ainaloa Boulevard, on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for construction zone preparation for the Ainaloa Roundabout. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). --- MAMALAHOA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) --- 1) KAU The Ninole and Hilea Stream Bridges on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) in the vicinity of Punaluu Black Sand Beach (Ninole Loop Rd.) are closed for bridge reconstruction work. Traffic will be detoured through the adjacent temporary bypass bridges for the duration of remaining construction operations. 2) KAU Closure of single lane at a time on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) in both directions in the vicinity of mile markers 27 and 31, District of Kau Sign to Namakani Paio Campground, on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for landscaping work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). 3) KAU Closure of single lane at a time on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) in both directions in the vicinity of mile markers 65 and 68, Ka’alualu Road to Kiola Ka’a Road, on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for landscaping work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). 4) NORTH KONA Closure of single lane at a time on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) in both directions in the vicinity of mile markers 31 and 34, Hualalai Ranch Road to Akamai Street, on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for landscaping work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). 5) SOUTH KONA Closure of single lane at a time on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) in both directions in the vicinity of mile markers 91 and 93, Kipahoehoe Natural Area Reserve to Ohia Malu Road, on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for landscaping work. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). --- AKONI PULE HIGHWAY (ROUTE 270) --- 1) NORTH KOHALA Closure of single lane at a time on Akoni Pule Highway (Route 270) in both directions in the vicinity of Halaula-Maulili Road, on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for installation of waterlines. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). 2) NORTH KOHALA Closure of single lane at a time on Akoni Pule Highway (Route 270) in both directions between Iole Road to Akana Place, on Monday, March 23, through Friday, March 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for installation of waterlines. Traffic flow in both directions will be maintained through alternating traffic control (contraflow). #Transportation #HDOT #HawaiiIsland #bigIsland

Governor Ige orders mandatory 14-day quarantine for all individuals arriving or returning to the State of Hawaiʻi 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 aircraft's “With the majority of Hawaiʻi’s COVID-19 cases linked to travel, it is critical that we further mitigate the spread of the virus by both residents and visitors who are coming from out-of-state,” said Gov. Ige. “This plan was developed in collaboration with our county mayors and Hawaiʻi’s business, community and visitor industry leaders.” All visitors and residents arriving through Hawaiʻi’s airports will be required to complete a Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture form that will be distributed onboard their flight. They will retain the form when disembarking the aircraft. Upon arrival, they will go through a checkpoint and present the completed form with a valid identification. Checkpoint staff will validate the form and issue documentation that certifies they cleared the checkpoint. The form also includes information on the mandatory requirements for the 14-day quarantine along with penalties. The mandatory 14-day self-quarantine orders are: Proceed directly from the airport to your designated quarantine location, which is the location identified and affirmed by you on the mandatory State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture Plants and Animals Declaration Form. Remain in your designated quarantine location for a period of 14 days or the duration of your stay in the State of Hawai‘i, whichever is shorter. If you are a resident, your designated quarantine location is your place of residence. If you are a visitor, your designated quarantine location is your hotel room or rented lodging. You can only leave your designated quarantine location for medical emergencies or to seek medical care. 3. Do not visit any public spaces, including but not limited to pools, meeting rooms, fitness centers or restaurants. 4. Do not allow visitors in or out of your designated quarantine location other than a physician, healthcare provider, or individual authorized to enter the designated quarantine location by the Director of HIEMA. 5. Comply with any and all rules or protocols related to your quarantine as set forth by your hotel or rented lodging. 6. If you become ill with a fever or cough: Continue to stay in designated quarantine location, avoid contact with others and contact a healthcare provider for further instructions on treatment or testing. If you are older or have any medical conditions (e.g., immune compromise, diabetes, asthma), consult your regular healthcare provider. If you feel you need medical care, contact healthcare provider and inform them of your travel history. If you need urgent medical care (e.g., have difficulty breathing), call 9-1-1 and let the dispatcher know your travel history). Failure to follow this order is a misdemeanor and punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000, or imprisonment of not more than one year, or both.  Enforcement will be handled by each of Hawaiʻi’s four counties. The mandate will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2020. “These actions are extreme, but they will help flatten the curve and lay the groundwork for a quicker recovery. We need everyone to comply with these quarantine orders to help protect Hawaiʻi’s residents,” added Ige. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DavidIge #Tourism #AirlineIndustry

Instruction is expected to resume April 7 for students, grab-and-go meal service will be provided weekdays at select schools during closure HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) announced today it will keep all public schools closed for a total of three weeks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. In addition, HIDOE offices except for essential functions will be closed for the next 15 days. School and state offices will continue to provide public services remotely. "Closing our schools will help safeguard the health of our children, teachers, staff and surrounding communities as we fight against the spread of COVID-19,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said. “We appreciate the support and commitment of our public school ‘ohana as we collectively navigate these uncharted waters.” Board of Education Chairwoman Catherine Payne added, “Our entire state must band together to combat community spread of the virus and school closures are an important part of the response. We will work closely with the Department and our federal partners to ensure that education requirements continue to be met and students have access to such essential services as meals.” HIDOE schools and offices All public and charter schools will remain closed to students through April 6, following the extended spring break period. Barring any future changes, return dates will be staggered as follows: April 3: Custodians, principals and administrators return to work. April 4-5 (weekend): Custodians continue deep cleaning of campuses. April 6: Teachers return to work to prepare classrooms. April 7: Students return to school. Spring break was originally scheduled to run from March 16-20 for most HIDOE schools. The Department announced last week that the break would be extended by one week through March 27. The state’s three multi-track schools — Kapolei Middle, Mililani Middle and Holomua Elementary — were placed on break for the same dates. The latest closure runs through April 6 for students. Employees will be working remotely and those who need to perform duties at a campus or office during this period will be limited to those tasks before returning to their telework arrangement. Student meal service During the extended closure, HIDOE will continue to provide student meals, including providing grab-and-go breakfast and lunch at select schools to children 18 years and under at the following days and times: Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. for breakfast. Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for lunch. Note: Meals will not be served on Thursday, March 26 in observance of Prince Kuhio Day. Some schools may start serving meals later in the week. A list of the 39 pick-up sites is available here. The locations were selected based on criteria including a high number of students eligible for the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program and geography. HIDOE is monitoring the situation and may add additional sites if necessary. Graduation and other school events Following earlier guidance, the Department canceled or postponed events involving large groups. Graduation ceremonies, which are normally held in mid-to-late May, have not yet been modified and any necessary scheduling changes will be announced at a future date. Notification of COVID-19 cases In the event there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 involving an individual in a HIDOE school community, the Department will not be issuing a notification. This outreach will be done by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) in order to avoid any potential Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations. We encourage those who are concerned to consult with their health care provider and continue to monitor the DOH website for updates at www.hawaiicovid19.com. Additional information and HIDOE COVID-19 updates will continue to be posted on the Department’s websiteat hawaiipublicschools.org. #Education #HawaiiPublicSchools #RemoteEducation #HIDOE #COVID19 #Coronavirus