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

Mayor Caldwell, along with Aloha Beer owner Steve Sombrero announced today a coalition of Catering and food truck operators will deliver free meals to Hawaiʻi’s kūpuna during this COVID-19 period. This coalition is self-funded but is looking for grants from local foundations and donors to support this project. The Coalition has created a website called “Malama Meals COVID-19 Community Meal Program” with the goals of supporting kūpuna, who are encouraged to stay out of the public for the next 15 days. This program will provide meals to seniors who live in senior centers along with keiki who depend on school meal programs. Department of Community Services Director, Pamela Witty-Oakland, shared, “our Elderly Affairs team is excited to launch this partnership, which will supplement our existing meal delivery program to home-bound seniors and expand that network to help our kūpuna at senior housing across the island get nutritious meals that will allow them to stay in their homes as we all try to help flatten the curve.”  Some of the projects receiving daily meals will include: · Whitmore Circle Apartments · Kumuwai, the City’s newest project which provided permanent housing to previously homeless seniors · Mānoa Gardens · Nā Lei Hulu Kūpuna · Franciscan Vistas ʻEwa Beach · West Loch Elderly Village · Additional sites still being confirmed The City & County of Honolulu, Department of Community Services, also serves as the Area Agency on Aging.  Our County Executive on Aging, Derrick Ariyoshi, and his team have been working hard with our network of senior care providers to ensure that in-home and meal services to the thousands of seniors we serve will continue uninterrupted.  Catholic Charities of Hawaiʻi has also been a key partner in reaching out to the senior housing to be served through this program. Coalition Partners currently include Owner of Aloha Beer Steve Sombrero, Debra Espino of Applebee’s, IHOP and Olive Garden Restaurants, Ahmad Ramadan of Da Spot, Gilbert Sakaguchi of Blue Water Shrimp, and Dan Port of Aloha Venues. In coordination with public service and non-profit community organizations, Malama Meals mission is to provide food security to individuals and communities in need or at risk to contain COVID-19. Those in need can also request meals online at Malama Meals website, www.malamameals.org. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #KirkCaldwell #MalamaMeals #SteveSombrero

Gov. David Y. Ige; Scott Murakami, Director, State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR); and Jane Sawyer, District Director, Small Business Administration (SBA); , announced today several measures to address the economic impact of COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi. ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS AVAILABLE FOR HAWAII SMALL BUSINESSES SUFFERING LOSSES DUE TO COVID-19 Hawai‘i small businesses suffering financial losses from the impact of COVID-19 can now file for low-interest working capital loans of up to $2 million from the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA today approved a certification request submitted by Gov. David Ige, clearing the way for Hawai‘i small businesses to participate in the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Assistance Program. The loans can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll and other bills that can’t be paid because of a disaster’s impact. “Small businesses are a vital economic driver in our community, and we must do everything we can to support them as they struggle through this crisis,” said Gov. Ige. “We appreciate the SBA’s quick action to approve this loan program for small businesses that have been hit so hard by COVID-19 outbreak.” Loan applicants are required to file the following documents: Loan application (SBA Form 5), completed and signed. Tax Information Authorization (IRS Form 4506-T), completed and signed by each applicant, each principal owning 20 percent or more of the applicant business, each general partner or managing member; and, for any owner who has more than 50 percent ownership in an affiliate business. Affiliates include, but are not limited to, business parents, subsidiaries, and/or other businesses with common ownership or management; Complete copies, including all schedules, of the most recently filed Federal income tax returns for the applicant business; an explanation if not available. Personal Financial Statement (SBA Form 413) completed, signed, and dated by the applicant, each principal owning 20 percent or more of the applicant business, and each general partner or managing member. Schedule of Liabilities listing all fixed debts (SBA Form 2202 may be used) are required to file three SBA forms and one IRS form. Loan forms and additional information can be accessed online at the SBA’s Disaster Assistance Loan Portal. Interest rates for the loans are 3.75 percent for small businesses without credit available elsewhere. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75 percent. Terms are determined on a case by case basis, based upon borrower’s ability to repay. The SBA tries to make a decision on each application within 21 days. For businesses facing short-term liquidity issues, including making certain debt payments, it is highly recommended that they contact their bank to see what kind of relief programs may be available. The SBA uses a “table of size standards” to define what qualifies as a small business based on the business’s number of employees and average annual receipts. Using these criteria, a small business could be defined as a business with a maximum of 250 employees up to a maximum of 1,500 employees. According to an analysis by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism there are 8,302 businesses in Hawai‘i with 99 or fewer employees. Those businesses account for 96,189 jobs with a combined annual payroll of $3.16 billion. STATE TAKES STEPS TO ADDRESS UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM PROBLEMS Gov. Ige and Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) Director Scott Murakami also announced state actions to address unemployment claims filing problems and a program to efficiently train and transfer labor into Hawaiʻi’s businesses that can help reduce job losses and dampen the economic slide due to COVID-19. Gov. Ige and Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) Director Scott Murakami also announced state actions to address unemployment claims filing problems and a program to efficiently train and transfer labor into Hawaiʻi’s businesses that can help reduce job losses and dampen the economic slide due to COVID-19. “Please be assured that we are taking the actions necessary to ensure that all unemployment benefits claims will be filed and paid as quickly as possible. Please bear with us as we develop capacity and expand points of entry for filing claims,” said Gov. Ige. The state is taking the following actions: Benefits will be paid to individuals who file their initial unemployment claims late. Expanding the online claims filing system capacity and increasing the phone facilities to field inquiries and assist in the filing of claims. Allocating staff from other programs within DLIR and from other state agencies to facilitate claims filing, processing, and benefits. Registering unemployment claims with the state workforce system on behalf of workers. Working with employers and labor organizations to facilitate the filing of claims. Availability of paper forms to file for unemployment benefits and drop boxes at unemployment offices statewide and at employer worksites. The state will interpret Hawai‘i’s unemployment laws to the broadest extent possible to cover those who are out of work because of COVID-19. Making the adjustments necessary to loosen eligibility requirements for claimants and reduce or eliminate experience rate adjustments for employers because of employees who receive unemployment benefits because of COVID-19. REDUCING UNEMPLOYMENT DISRUPTION & DRIVING ECONOMIC REGENERATION (RUDDER) Gov. Ige and DLIR Director Scott Murakami announced the launching of the Reducing Unemployment Disruption & Driving Economic Regeneration (RUDDER) program. RUDDER is the DLIR’s economic regeneration initiative that provides State Employment & Training Funds that immediately infuses money into the economy and serve as the foundational strategy for aligning federal workforce programs, such as the Disaster Recovery grants, in a unified effort to efficiently train and transfer labor into Hawaiʻi’s businesses that can help reduce job losses and dampen the economic slide due to COVID-19. “The primary objective of RUDDER is to facilitate an efficient labor exchange between the sectors hardest hit by COVID-19 and healthcare sector employers hiring employees to combat COVID-19,” said DLIR Director Scott Murakami. “We know that jobs involving cleaning, such as hotel housekeepers, could move into jobs in the healthcare with minimal training and the RUDDER program will facilitate that exchange.” The program provides up to $100,000 of relief to registered and compliant Hawai‘i businesses for new employees hired after March 1, 2020. The program provides an initial $500 payment for each new employee to offset training and associated costs upon notification to the department of the initial hiring of the employee. After six months of continuous employment and upon receipt of certification from the employer that they have retained the employee, the DLIR will issue a second payment of $500. The DLIR has posted a COVID-19 Workplace Updates page at: http://labor.hawaii.gov/get-the-latest-covid-19-workplace-updates/. Gov. Ige added, “I realize that in our community there is a lot of fear and anxiety over the COVID-19 crisis. And there are a lot of different ideas being offered to deal with the challenge. The steps we have taken so far have worked to protect the health and safety of our community. I am confident that the next steps that we are announcing soon will be effective, well-designed, and enhance our ability to deal with this threat as well as the economic impact it is.” Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY Dial 711 then ask for (808) 586-8866 Links to video clips: Gov. Ige: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Gh0WmfvtI&feature=youtu.be Dir. Murakami Ruder Program: https://youtu.be/dnDyn_v1T8A Dir. Murakami Unemployment Office: https://youtu.be/dn8QUUj3uAU Dist. Dir. Sawyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWofEVcptKs&feature=youtu.be #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DavidIge

The Importance of Mental Health As we head into the weekend, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) encourages everyone to take care of themselves and heed the social distancing directives by Gov. David Ige and county officials. Here are four suggestions to keep busy and stay at ease: You can remain active and go outdoors while still complying with social distancing directives. Although all of Hawai‘i’s state parks and facilities are now either fully or partially closed, the forest reserves (https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/frs/reserves/) and Na Hele Trail and Access Program trails (https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/) remain open at this time. While dine-in options at restaurants may be suspended at this time, many eateries are offering their menus or special promotions for drive-thru, take out, pick-up or delivery. Hawai‘i’s state public libraries are always open online at librarieshawaii.org with amazing online resources available 24/7. Available for those with a Hawai‘i library card, the online collection is free and includes a variety of eBooks, eAudioBooks, digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines, classes and language learning, and more. Stay connected with kūpuna or loved ones in retirement or care homes virtually, by phone, tablet or computer. 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’s 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. Definition of Community Spread Community spread is defined as cases that cannot be traced back to a resident or visitor who traveled outside Hawai‘i or an individual who is in a high-contact job related to tourism, healthcare or emergency response. Who Should be Tested for COVID-19? 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. Sentinel Surveillance Testing Results Today, the DOH received 61 negative results from test samples statewide, bringing the total count to 185 negative results. The goal is to identify possible community transmission of COVID-19. Eleven New Positive Cases on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i As of March 20, 2020, noon, there was a total of 37 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. New positive results were announced today for 10 individuals on O‘ahu and one individual on Kaua‘i. Most Hawai‘i cases can be traced back to residents or visitors who got COVID-19 while traveling outside of the Hawaiian Islands or are in a high-contact job related to tourism, healthcare or emergency response. Two of the cases with positive results announced today are not related to travel, and are the first indication of some community spread. The Department of Health will be posting case numbers daily at noon. The situation is fluid with constant changes. Any additional case information received after noon will be reported the following day. COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 20, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. HST (updated as new information becomes available) Number of Total Positive Case(s)* Statewide                        37 Honolulu                                                                                 28 Maui County                                                                            5 Kaua‘i                                                                                      3 Hawai‘i Island                                                                          1 *Includes confirmed and presumptive cases. Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory such as the DOH State Laboratories Division. Presumptive Positive: Positive test results from a private laboratory requiring confirmation by a state public health laboratory. 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 PDF: COVID-19 Daily Update March 20, 2020 #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HDOT #MaasdamCruiseShip

With today’s announcement that community spread of COVID-19 is likely happening in Hawai‘i, the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) has suspended all commercial operator permits until further notice. The suspension is consistent with Governor Ige’s supplemental emergency proclamation, Hawai‘i Dept. of Health (DOH) and Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. This covers hundreds of tour operators, surf and SUP schools, sight-seeing, whale-watching and dinner cruises and any commercial operation operating in state ocean waters. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “Many people are not practicing the recommended social distancing protocols, so it’s become necessary for us to take these extraordinary steps to help encourage the six-foot separation between people recommended by Gov. Ige, the CDC and our experts at the DOH. It is hoped that every commercial permit holder and all local residents and visitors will abide by these closures in the spirit of flattening the spread of the corona virus.” Many state parks were closed four days ago, but the DLNR Division of State Parks announced this afternoon that it is shuttering all parks, statewide. “Unfortunately,” Curt Cottrell, State Parks Administrator said, “many, many people are simply ignoring gates and signs and choosing to put themselves and any others close-by at risk of contracting COVID-19. This unprecedented step is being taken in the interest of public health and safety and we really encourage people to find alternate activities that do not expose themselves and others to the virus.” The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has closed all commercial tours on State trails and wildlife sanctuaries. Any vendors with tours already booked will be refunded. The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) is receiving reports of people continuing to enter Diamond Head State Monument and other closed parks. This is not only dangerous in places like the outer slopes and crater rim of Diamond Head, but violators are subject to being cited or arrested. Case said, “We are all in this together.  It is an enormous inconvenience and upsetting to the kind of lifestyle we enjoy in Hawai‘i. The faster we stop the spread of COVID-19 by everyone practicing social distancing, the quicker we’re likely to see our lives return to normal.” #DLNR #ParkClosures #SuzanneCase #DavidIge #COVID19 #Coronavirus

The Senate Special Committee on COVID-19 held its first meeting today and provided the following information about its findings. The Airport Division of the Department of Transportation agreed with the committee’s recommendation to develop a plan on a 14-day quarantine of any arriving passengers. This is a difficult action, but necessary to flatten the curve of COVID-19 and keep the people of Hawaii safe. The committee strongly urged the Governor to review and implement this plan. DOT reported the plan will require hiring or reassigning approximately 500 people and cost approximately $1 million per month. The Harbors Division of the Department of Transportation, as of March 18, 2020, will no longer allow cruise ship passengers to disembark in Hawaii. Cruise ships are only allowed to refuel and resupply. Passengers are not allowed to disembark. Exceptions may be made for Hawai‘i residents. Ban on cruise ships disembarking is in effect for the next 30 to 60. This ban will not impact cargo ships. There are safety protocols in place regarding cargo. Ban will not impact delivery of needed consumer goods. The Department of Health has launched a new website with guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic and updates on the virus within Hawai‘i: https://hawaiicovid19.com/ As of today, there are 26 positive cases. Ten most recent positive cases were tested at private labs. Private labs have approximately processed 1,000 tests. The State has only processed 40 tests The State has tested only those suspected to be seriously ill. Private sector labs are reporting they are running low on supplies. Dr. Anderson told the committee that the State is “urging people to limit the number of tests being done and to not test those who are not ill.” Regarding the positive case from Kualoa Ranch, the individual’s extended family has tested negative. The committee met with Adjutant General Kenneth S. Hara, who has been assigned as the incident commander of the COVID-19 response. General Hara provided the committee an update: He will review DOT's 14-Day quarantine plan. He is considering a proposed threshold Implementation Plan to deal with the transmission of COVID-19. This plan identifies three levels of risk: Limited community transmission Sustained community transmission Widespread community transmission The Plan also will detail actions for each government department to implement. Her will also recommend to Governor Ige there be an analysis of critical functions, including identifying the resources required to accomplish these critical (people, equipment, power, sewer, etc.) and from that analysis is a continuity of operations plan could be adopted and implemented. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HawaiiSenate #SenateSpecialCommittee

The Legislative Reference Bureau's Public Access Room at the Hawai‘i State Capitol is now open for phone and email assistance. Due to COVID-19 social distancing measures, in-person access will not be possible at the Public Access Room or Legislative Reference Bureau library until further notice. “We apologize for any inconvenience this change in visitation procedure may cause, but it is the responsible course of action to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Charlotte Carter-Yamauchi, Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau. The Public Access Room was closed on March 11 out of an abundance of caution after an employee’s roommate was informed that he or she came into contact a week earlier with a person who later tested positive for COVID-19. The Legislative Reference Bureau reported that no member of the Public Access Room staff has been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the leave was imposed, and the office has been professionally cleaned and disinfected during its closure. Public Access Room and Library staff are available by phone or email during normal business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist the public with inquiries concerning legislative matters. Public Access Room: (808) 587-0478 par@capitol.hawaii.gov https://lrb.hawaii.gov/public-access-room. Legislative Reference Bureau library: (808) 587-0690 lrb@capitol.hawaii.gov https://library.cardhawaii.org/, iClips service will continue to be updated Monday - Friday by 10 a.m. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #PublicAccessRoom #HawaiiStateCapitol