This message was shared with the students, faculty, and staff of the 10-campus University of Hawaiʻi system on March 18, 2020. Aloha UH ʻOhana, Mahalo for your patience and understanding during this unprecedented pandemic crisis. Like many days, yesterday brought new changes including a set of extraordinary announcements from Governor Ige. So I want to share a number of significant updates to the university’s response. All of these are grounded in our firm commitment to completing the semester for our students while protecting the safety of our employees and students across the UH System. UH instruction will be conducted online for the remainder of the semester. Exceptions may be granted only as previously announced. Until further notice, our campuses remain open to our students and employees. To maximize safety, other public-facing services may be curtailed for the duration of the crisis. Campus libraries are closed to the public and other facilities and services may follow. Changes to facilities and practices will be made to maximize social distancing in accord with CDC guidelines for Institutions of Higher Education. Full buildings or sections of buildings that are unnecessary during this crisis may be closed under the authority of a UH Officer. Cleaning and disinfection will be focused on areas still open to students and employees. Traditional dining services are being phased out and replaced with To-Go, Grab-n-Go and/or Delivery food services. All non-essential travel, including to neighbor islands, should be canceled. Exceptions will be granted under the authority of a UH Officer. All public events shall be canceled at least through the end of April. As previously announced guidance for employees regarding remote working and implementing social distancing will be issued later today. Please stay tuned for more updates and information as this continues to be a rapidly developing situation. And mahalo for all you do to support our students, our university and our state in this difficult and incredibly dynamic situation. E mālama pono, David Lassner University of Hawaiʻi President Source: https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2020/03/18/presidents-message-march-18-updates/ #UniversityofHawaii #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DavidLassner #OnlineClasses

Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued a supplemental proclamation of emergency or disaster today to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. The proclamation requires the closure of all bars and nightclubs for fifteen calendar days, and all restaurants and cafes that serve food, to close solely for drive-thru, pickup, or delivery service, also for fifteen days. This is effective March 20, at 8:30 a.m. Mayor Caldwell’s supplemental proclamation signed today takes further action in response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest guidance related to mass gatherings. The CDC now recommends that organizers of large events cancel or postpone in-person events that consists of 10 or more people throughout the United States. The City and County of Honolulu will follow the CDC’s most recent large gathering recommendation by prohibiting assemblies of 10 or more people at City facilities until the end of April. This supersedes the press release sent out earlier this week. These closures will be reevaluated next month. Mayor Caldwell also took action today by signing BILL 35 (2020) FD1 into law. This new law amends Honolulu’s Revised Ordinances allowing the Mayor to access emergency funds totaling approximately $126 million to address impacts of COVID-19. The City has also initiated a higher level of activation of the Emergency Operations Center. During this time, the City and County of Honolulu remains open. Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services and Ocean Safety first responders will continue normal operation to protect our community. The City will continue critical functions such as garbage pick-up, sewer service, and the services provided by the Board of Water Supply, satellite city halls, and the Department of Planning and Permitting. Given the updated guidelines from the CDC, all City facilities will be closed to public gatherings through April 30. This includes the closure of the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, municipal golf courses, the Honolulu Zoo, City parks and outdoor park amenities including pools, courts, and fields, City gyms and indoor facilities, Honolulu Botanical Gardens, City camp sites, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and the Koko Head Shooting Complex. This will also result in the suspension of classes, programs, and events both organized by the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation or permitted to other organizations. This includes the 93rd Annual Lei Day Celebration. TheBus and TheHandi-Van will continue to operate on normal routes and schedules, unless otherwise noted. Passengers should practice everyday preventative actions promoted by the CDC. This includes but is not limited to social distancing, hand washing with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, and covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash. Mayor Caldwell recommends riders only utilize TheBus and TheHandi-Van for essential travel related to care, food, work and other essential resources. The Department of Transportation Services (DTS) is continuing the practice of sanitizing and cleaning TheBus and TheHandi-Van fleets every day in order to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. The DTS also urges the public to not ride TheBus or TheHandi-Van if you are feeling sick or have symptoms of COVID-19. The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) will continue to receive and process building permit applications at the Fasi Municipal Building as well as at Kapolei Hale by appointment only. Those picking up permits will be escorted into the permit centers. All inspections will continue. The DPP also encourages the public to visit its website, www.honoluludpp.org. to do self-service permits. Online and off-site options are available for several other City services. A list of services for residents, who want to follow the CDC’s recommendations on social distancing, can be viewed at honolulu.gov/csd. In conjunction with the City’s efforts to ensure the health and safety of City employees and those they serve in the City and County of Honolulu, the Royal Hawaiian Band’s public concerts have been canceled effective immediately thru April. The Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts (MOCA) will continue to display art exhibits but has canceled all related art receptions scheduled to be held in the Honolulu Hale and Kapolei Hale courtyards and closed the following event areas and City facilities: Frank F. Fasi Civic Grounds, Mission Memorial Auditorium, and Mission Memorial Hearing Room. MOCA has also elected to cancel its annual event, Mango Jam Honolulu, previously scheduled for this summer. All closures announced in this press release are effective thru April 30. Extension of this closure period will be reevaluated in mid-April and may be adjusted depending on the status of the COVID-19 outbreak. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #KirkCaldwell #Bill35 #CDC #CityCountyofHonolulu

Mayor Michael Victorino announced a number of Public Health Emergency Rules effective as of 7:45 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2020, directed toward limiting the gathering of groups of people and curtailing vehicular transportation except for essential activities or operation of essential business or government functions, such as travel to and from work and medical appointments. “We need to take dramatic action to limit the spread of this infectious virus,” Mayor Victorino said. “We cannot do this alone, so we’re asking our community to follow these rules and look out for one another as we face this unprecedented crisis.” The rules require restaurants and cafes that serve food within the premises to close; however, take-out and delivery service may continue. Bars, nightclubs, theaters, tourist attractions, and other venues where the public gather must remain closed. Grocery stores, farmers markets, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores and gas stations that engage in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and other household consumer products, gasoline and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences may remain open. Many stores are voluntarily providing dedicated kupuna shopping periods, especially in the morning hours, for those over 60 or those of any age with medical conditions. The rules require that all stores selling essential goods provide dedicated shopping hours for these higher-risk groups. Essential activities, which are exempt from the rules, include: 1. Tasks essential to maintain health and safety, such as obtaining medicine or seeing a doctor; 2. Getting necessary services or supplies for an individual or that individual’s family or household members, such as getting food, pet food, and supplies necessary for staying at home; 3. Engaging in solitary or small group outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking, running or golfing provided that you maintain at least six feet of social distancing; 4. Performing work related to operation of an essential business or essential government function (defined below); 5. Caring for a family member in another household; 6. Caring for elderly, minors, dependents, person with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons. Exemptions that relate to operation of essential business functions include: 1.    Healthcare operations, including home health workers; 2.    Essential infrastructure, including construction of housing and operation of public transportation and utilities; 3.    Businesses that provide necessities of life for economically disadvantaged individuals and shelter facilities; 4.    Pharmacies, health care supply stores, and health care facilities; 5.    Gas stations and auto repair facilities; 6.    Banks; 7.    Rubbish collection; 8.    Hardware stores, plumbers, electricians, and other service providers necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and businesses; 9.    Laundromats and laundry service providers; 10.    Businesses that primarily ship or deliver groceries, food, and goods; 11.    Childcare facilities providing services that enable essential     employees to go to work; 12.    Roles required for any Essential Business to “maintain basic     operations,” which include security, payroll, and similar activities. “Although the County will make changes to its normal operations to safeguard employees and the public, the County will remain open to serve our residents and the business community,” said Mayor Victorino. “These rules are necessary not only to address the spread of the virus, but also to allow our first responders, emergency personnel, and medical professionals to perform their critical functions with as much community support as possible.” Other provisions of the rules include suspension of regular meetings or hearings conducted by boards and commissions, although they may be conducted via alternate methods where possible. The County is restricting travel on Pilani Highway from Ulupalakua to Kipahulu and on Kahekili Highway from Waihee to Kahakuloa village to local traffic only. The State Department of Transportation is also restricting travel on Hana Highway from Kaupakalua Road to Hana town to local traffic only. “While we take these actions, I am still encouraging our residents to go outside, go on a walk, get some exercise, and for this purpose, County beach parks will remain open at this time,” Mayor Victorino said. “I continue to ask the public to stop hoarding supplies, help your neighbor and remain calm as we face this crisis together. “Maui County is on pandemic lockdown and we’re telling all visitors to reconsider their travel to the islands during this emergency. Please help us to keep our communities safe and minimize the spread of the coronavirus.” General information and resources on COVID-19 (coronavirus) can be found on the County of Maui’s website at mauicounty.gov. For more information and updates, please visit the State DOH website at https://health.hawaii.gov/ and CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/. Source: https://www.mauicounty.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=9924 #COVID19 #Coronavirus #MauiCounty #MikeVictorino #PublicHealth

Counties Roll Out Plans to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19 Following the State of Hawai‘i’s plan for “15-Days to Slow the Spread” of COVID-19, Hawai‘i’s mayors have recently implemented county plans that are geared to their island residents. Department of Health supports everyone’s efforts to keep the community safe and healthy. “We can be more effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 if everyone takes these aggressive actions seriously,” said Bruce Anderson, director of the Hawai‘i Department of Health. “The response to the Governor and County directives has been positive so far and there are many, such as food establishments, which have identified alternative ways to serve the public with drive-through and take-out service to maintain their operations.” The City and County of Honolulu has mandated the closure of restaurants, parks and nightclubs for indoor service beginning 8:30 a.m. on Friday, March 20. Restaurant take-out, curb-side pick-up and delivery will be allowed. The County of Kaua‘i issued an islandwide nighttime curfew beginning Friday, March 20. The curfew will be in effect from 9 p.m. through 5 a.m. daily until further notice. Individuals must remain in their residence during these specified hours, with a few exceptions. The County of Maui announced rules that will be in effect beginning 7:45 a.m. on Friday, March 20, limiting the gathering of groups of people and curtailing vehicular transportation except for essential activities or operation of essential business or government functions. Restaurants and cafes that serve food within the premises are required to close; however, take-out and delivery service may continue. Hawai‘i County issued guidance that restaurants, bars and places of worship may make their own decisions to open or close, and consider ways to minimize risk to customers and employees. Please visit the county websites for more information. 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 traveler and have absolutely no travel related or involved connection with travel. As of noon today, March 19, all cases who tested positive in Hawaiʻi are travel related or involved with visitors on a daily basis. 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. State Launches New, Dedicated COVID-19 Website The State of Hawai‘i unveiled a new website for the public to access the latest information on COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. The website, hawaiicovid19.com, is an inter-agency collaborative effort to keep the community safe and healthy. It provides timely information and resources on the coronavirus, including guidance on how to prevent and mitigate community spread, common symptoms of COVID-19, and frequently asked questions. 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. “One of the best ways to show aloha for each other at this critical time is to refrain from being in large gatherings and to keep a safe, healthy distance from each other,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “You may be healthy, but others around you may not be as fortunate. By practicing social distancing, you’re limiting the potential for exposure to any illness in your household and protecting everyone in our community. We all need to consider the health and wellbeing of others, especially seniors, those with preexisting health conditions and others whose health may be compromised." Anderson noted that technology enables us to have social distance without sacrificing emotional connection. “When feasible, we should use tools available for virtual meetings by phone, tablet or computer as a way to maintain contact with loved ones, especially kupuna in care homes given Gov. Ige’s directive to refrain from visiting nursing homes, retirement or long-term care facilities at this time.” Ten New Positive Cases on O‘ahu and Maui As of March 19, 2020, noon, there is a total of 26 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. New positive results were announced today for eight individuals on O‘ahu and two individuals on Maui. All cases who tested positive in Hawaiʻi are travel related. The Department of Health will be confirming 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 19, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. HST (updated as new information becomes available) Number of Total Positive Case(s)* Statewide 26 Honolulu 18 Maui County 5 Kaua‘i 2 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. Sentinel Surveillance Testing Results The DOH has received 124 negative results from test samples selected from sites statewide with the goal of identifying possible community transmission of COVID-19. There were 62 negative test results received last week and 62 negative test results received this week. 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 #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DOH #Health #DavidIge

Expediting Individual Income Processing for Refunds; Offices closed to walk-ins Due to the COVID-19 emergency, all our offices are CLOSED to the public to protect your health and our staff as we practice social distancing. Please contact us using the following methods: Phone service is available through the main call center in Honolulu (808.587.4242) from 7:45AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday, excluding regular holidays. Please be patient as we are experiencing high call volumes. US Postal Service mail is still being processed in a timely manner. Secure web-messages about your particular case can be transmitted using Hawaii Tax Online. Please do not send your personal tax information by email as the security of the transmission cannot be assured. During the “15 days to slow the spread,” our staff is expediting individual income return processing in order to process Individual Income tax refunds. Refunds will give the people of Hawaii cash during this emergency. Approximately 75% of Hawaii residents will request a refund. To date, more than 266,000 Hawaii Resident Individual Income tax returns, Form N-11, have been filed. 370,000 more returns are expected. Please allow up to 21 days to process your return and refund request. Monitor the status of your refund request using Hawaii Tax Online (hitax.hawaii.gov). Some commercial tax preparers route your refund through them; check with your preparer for the status of your refund. Individual income tax filers expecting a refund are encouraged to file as soon as possible to ensure that their refund can be processed while we are able to maintain processing operations: DOTAX encourages electronic filing in order to expedite return and refund processing. Form N-11 is available as a FREE, non-logged in service on Hawaii Tax Online Free tax return filing assistance is available through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for qualifying taxpayers. Please check hawaiitaxhelp.org for a list of sites still accepting appointments. Check our website (tax.hawaii.gov) for additional updates as situation continues to evolve. Thank you for your continued cooperation and Aloha as we work together to stay healthy and maintain government services. #DOTAX #Taxes #COVID19 #Coronavirus #StateOfHawaii

Honolulu - Hawai‘i State Senate President Ron Kouchi (D-Kauai) issued the following statement today: In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, residents in our State and throughout the United States are being asked to make enormous sacrifices in their normal daily lives through “social distancing,” to “flatten the curve” of the spread of COVID-19.  “Social distancing” means canceling events, closing businesses, and reducing interaction with other people to stop the spread of an infectious disease.  “Flattening the curve” is an attempt to reduce the pressure that infected people place upon limited medical resources in a pandemic. We are an island state whose primary economic engine is the tourist industry, and social distancing is having an incredibly detrimental impact on our residents' lives. However painful these limiting actions are on all of us, ignoring this important mitigation control activity and proceeding on with an attitude of doing business as usual will lead to uncontrollable chaos if COVID-19 spreads throughout our island communities. The unchecked spread of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i will lead to a huge number of very sick people who will place an impossible burden on limited medical resources for our residents.  Unchecked and rampant COVID-19 cases will require medical professionals to make a true “Sophie's Choice” – to choose which patient will be allowed to receive appropriate medical services in favor of any other patient. These impossible choices will not only be made between COVID-19 patients but will also apply to patients with other severe medical conditions. Our communities on islands other than O‘ahu: Kauai County, Maui County, and Hawai‘i County, are essentially rural in nature and their medical resources are severely limited. To preserve these limited medical resources for rural community residents and to flatten the curve of the effects of COVID-19, I strongly support Governor David Ige's March 17, 2020 statement that all non-Hawai‘i residents should practice social distancing by staying in their own communities and not come to Hawai‘i at this time. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #Kauai #SocialDistancing #HawaiiSenate

Hana, Maui – Senator J. Kalani English (D-Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe) today thanked Governor David Ige for implementing his recommendation to close the Hana Highway to non-residents to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and Mayor Mike Victorino for closing the back side county road through Kaupō to non-residents. “On a typical day, thousands of rental cars drive the narrow Hana Highway and congregate at lookouts and parks,” said Senator English. “During this emergency we need to keep the highway open for residents of East Maui, delivery trucks, and first responders. We cannot have thousands of tourists from around the world causing traffic and entering closed parks, coming into contact with one another and our residents. As a resident of Hana, I know that the majority of our economy in East Maui depends on tourism and that this pandemic is causing a major hardship, but when we’re choosing between saving lives and the economy, health must come first.” Governor Ige instructed the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation to place signs along the Hana Highway notifying drivers that the highway is restricted to residents only. He also instructed the Maui Visitors Bureau to inform all industry partners and ask rental car companies to advise all customers of the restriction. Mayor Victorino instructed Maui County departments to close the back-side road through Kaupo to Hana to non-residents. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DavidIge #MikeVictorino #HawaiiSenate #KalaniEnglish

DOH Launches New, Dedicated COVID-19 Website Today Today, the Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) unveiled a new website for the public to access the latest information on COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. The State of Hawai‘i has mobilized an inter-agency collaborative effort to keep the community safe and healthy. The website, hawaiicovid19.com will go live at 3pm. The website provides timely information and resources on the coronavirus, including guidance on how to prevent and mitigate community spread, common symptoms of COVID-19, and frequently asked questions. Please read and share the information. By providing our family and friends, our neighbors and our visitors with accurate information, we keep our community healthy and we keep Hawaiʻi a welcoming place to live and visit. Don’t spread the virus. Don’t spread misinformation. And let’s prepare together. Always share aloha. Sign up to receive updates at [health.hawaii.gov/updates]health.hawaii.gov/updates. Social Distancing: A New Way of Expressing Aloha In Hawai‘i’s close-knit communities, federal, state and county mandates for social distancing can be a difficult message to accept. Island residents are accustomed to gathering together for social and public events and expressing their support and aloha for each other with hugs and other signs of affection. COVID-19 recommendations are changing the rules on how much physical distance individuals should keep from each other, but the aloha spirit prevails in the islands. Social distancing is a new way of expressing aloha. 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. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives largely depends on the cooperation and compliance from the public. “It may feel counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to show aloha for each other at this critical time is to refrain from being in large gatherings and to keep a safe, healthy distance from each other,” said Bruce Anderson, director of the Hawai‘i Department of Health. “These unprecedented times require a new way of thinking. You may be healthy, but others around you may not be as fortunate. By practicing social distancing, you’re limiting the potential for exposure to any illness in your household and protecting everyone in our community. We all need to consider the health and wellbeing of others, especially seniors, those with preexisting health conditions and others whose health may be compromised. Anderson noted that technology enables us to have social distance without sacrificing emotional connection. “When feasible, we should use tools available for virtual meetings by phone, tablet or computer as a way to maintain contact with loved ones, especially kupuna in care homes given Gov. Ige’s directive to refrain from visiting nursing homes, retirement or long-term care facilities at this time.” Compliance with Governor’s Directives The Hawai‘i Department of Health is fully endorsing Gov. David Ige’s directives to close establishments that typically attract large numbers of people, and to limit employees in the workplace to minimize exposure. While these are not mandates with consequences for non-compliance, these directives require the cooperation of businesses, organizations and individuals to be effective from a public health perspective. “We can be more effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 if everyone takes these aggressive actions seriously,” Anderson said. “The response to the Governor’s directives has been positive so far and there are many, such as food establishments, which have identified alternative ways to serve the public with drive-through and take-out service to maintain their operations.” Criteria for Screening Sites There are limited supplies of COVID-19 testing in Hawai‘i, and this makes prudent use of these resources a priority. Many who are well or experiencing only mild flu-like symptoms may want a COVID-19 test for peace of mind, but this is not a good use of the testing resources. The DOH wants to underscore the criteria for testing and how to properly use the screening sites so that only those who critically need the tests, including older adults and those with existing health conditions, can have access when they need them. 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. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the nearest healthcare provider to see if you should come in or remain at home. 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 your provider’s order. 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. Two New Positive Cases on Oahu As of March 18, 2020, noon, there is a total of 16 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. New positive results were announced today for two O‘ahu residents who traveled outside Hawai‘i. The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring these individuals and supervising their isolation as well as the self-quarantine of their family members.  One of the O‘ahu cases announced this past Monday, March 16, was a Kualoa tour operator who had not traveled, but was exposed to travelers daily. Three family members from the individual’s household were tested with negative results. All cases who tested positive in Hawaiʻi are travel related. There is no evidence of community spread in Hawai‘i at this time. COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 18, 2020 at noon (updated as new information becomes available) Number of Confirmed or Presumptive Positive Case(s)* 16 Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending) 9 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 . 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 #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DOH #Health #DavidIge

Senate President Ron Kouchi announced today that he has appointed a special committee to advise the Senate on the State of Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 plans and procedures. The Committee members are: Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz, Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Senator Michelle N. Kidani, Senator Donna Mercado Kim, Senator Sharon Y. Moriwaki, and Senator Kurt Fevella. Due to social distancing measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the meetings will not be open to the public to attend in person. The initial meetings are scheduled for tomorrow, March 19, 2020,  and on Friday, March 20. Additional meetings will be announced. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HawaiiSenate

“The actions I’m announcing today may seem extreme to some of you, and we know that it will have negative effects to our economy. But we are confident that taking aggressive actions now will allow us to have a quicker recovery when this crisis is over,” said Gov. Ige. Gov. Ige strongly encouraged our visitors to postpone their vacations for at least the next 30-days and reschedule for a later date. Effective this Friday (March 20), screening of all passengers disembarking cruise ships will be screened. Our airports are working on implementation plans for screening arriving visitors Gov. Ige is directing the following: Limit social gatherings to groups of 10 people or less to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Close bars and clubs. Close restaurants or provide drive-thru, take out, pick-up, or delivery. Close theatres, entertainment centers and visitor attractions. Avoid any discretionary travel. Suspend services and activities in places of worship. Stay home if you are a high-risk individual and take additional precautionary measures. Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities. If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, keep the entire household at home. Stability is also critical in this unprecedented situation.  Accordingly, the following steps have been taken: All utilities have been directed to take necessary measures to ensure that they can continue to operate in the normal course. Director Kenneth S. Hara, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, has the full authority to determine what constitutes critical infrastructure or essential services that will continue operations. This includes utilities, fuel producers, shipping facilities and industry, financial institutions, financial services, telecommunications companies, wholesaler or distributors, grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and other industry vital to our community. For both the utilities and essential services, government resources and support can be deployed as necessary. The one-week waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits is waived for those unemployed because of COVID-19. The Office of Consumer Protection is working with its Landlord Tenant Center, and effective already are emergency provisions applicable to tenants. During the emergency, the following additional steps are being discussed with our community’s business partners and non-profit organizations to maintain stability for our families by: Ensuring employees have benefits, even if employees are not at work. Halting eviction for non-payment of rent. Halting foreclosures. Working with public and private utility providers to avoid shut-off of service to critical utilities such as electric, gas, water, internet, landline telephone and cell phone. Gov. Ige has also directed all department and agency heads to review their employees and identify the following: Essential-functions (will be required to report to work) Non-essential – able to work remotely via telework (work from home) Non-essential – unable to work remotely via telework or otherwise These employees could be re-assigned to work that could be done remotely, as long as it’s in the employee’s job description and classification For the next 15 calendar days, Gov. Ige is directing the departments to have all non-essential staff stay home. Essential workers will continue to report to work. All employees will continue to be paid and will still be eligible for sick leave, vacation and other benefits. Every employee should look to their respective department for detailed instructions. Gov. Ige has also banned all non-essential travel for state workers, including to the Neighbor Islands. In addition, the state is taking the following actions: Temporarily closing State Libraries to public access to evaluate and adjust operations to maintain social distancing. There will be no fees for late returns and the Library online resources will still be available. The Dept. of Land and Natural Resources is closing parks, offices with in-person access and large. All events at the State Capitol, State Art Museum, and tours at Washington Place are suspended. The Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs has suspended all combat sports in Hawaii. Cancelled events at Aloha Stadium and Hawaiʻi Convention Center for the next 30 days. “It is essential that our government operations and services continue during this time, but we must keep all of our employees and community safe and healthy.  We expect more stringent actions in the days to come. These are difficult times, but Hawaiʻi has a history of coming together when faced with challenges. I’m confident that together we will rise to the task,” said Gov. Ige. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DOH #Health #DavidIge

Diamond Head State Monument Among Closed Parks (Honolulu) – Out of an abundance of caution and to facilitate social distancing recommendations, DLNR and its divisions are announcing the following closures to help reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during this time of major inconvenience. We intend to reopen parks and facilities as soon as the novel coronavirus is no longer a threat. These steps are being taken to protect all visitors and constituents, as well as our staff, while maintaining a high level of service.” Closures are listed alphabetically by division or office and will be updated as necessary: Bureau of Conveyances (BOC) – (808) 587-0147 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/boc/ The public reference room #123 in the Kalanimoku State Office Building will be closed starting Wed, 3/18/20 until further notice.  Most, but not all, research normally done in this facility can be accomplished online: https://boc.ehawaii.gov/docsearch/search.html The BOC recording office room #120 in the Kalanimoku State Office Building is continuing to conduct document recording.  Electronic or mail-in recordings are strongly recommended: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/boc/e-recording/ or Bureau of Conveyances, P.O. Box 2867, Honolulu, HI  96803. Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM) – (808) 587-0214 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/cwrm/ The CWRM office, room 227, in the Kalanimoku State Office Building is closed to in-person access. All permit applications accepted by mail or electronic transmission: dlnr.cwrm@hawaii.gov CWRM is not currently accepting hand-delivered applications. Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) – (808) 587-0100 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/ All DAR offices across the state are closed to in-person access. People can apply for licenses, permits and registrations on the DAR website or by calling (808) 587-0100. Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) – (808) 587-1966 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/ All DOBOR District and Harbor offices are closed to in-person access.All public restrooms facilities within harbors are closed.All existing and new Marine Event Permits involving more than 50 people are being cancelled.Payments for slips, revocable permits & leases, vessel registrations & transfers should be submitted online or via mail: vessel.ehawaii.gov or DOBOR, 4 Sand Island Access Road, Honolulu, HI  96819 Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) – (808) 587-0066 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/docare/ All DOCARE offices statewide closed to in-person access. Anyone needing in-person services such as evidence releases or report copies should call DOCARE to make arrangements. All in-person State Hunter Education classes are suspended. On-line courses continue, but in-person testing requirements are suspended. Replacement hunter education cards can be processed online. Hunter Education offices in Honolulu and Waimea are closed to in-person access. DOCARE officers will be patrolling all closed facilities and enforcing these closures.  Anyone caught in a closed area is subject to law enforcement actions including the possibility of citations and/or arrest. Please report suspected resource violations to 643-DLNR (3567) or via the free DLNRTip app. Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) – (808) 587-0166 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dofaw/ DOFAW announces a 30-day pause for deer hunting season in the Lānaʻi Game Management Area. Permits and reservations for deer hunts for March 21st, 22nd,28th, 29th and April 4th, 5th, 11th & 12th have been cancelled.  Efforts are underway to notify hunters impacted by this cancellation. Hawai ‘i island’s hunting tag requirements will be waived for the Spring Turkey and the Puuanhulu Archery season. At this time, there are no additional closures of State Forest Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, other Game Management Areas, Natural Area Reserves, or trails in the Nā Ala Hele Trails & Access Program. (Please note: Mānoa Falls and ‘Aihualama trails are currently closed due to unsafe and slippery conditions). No new permits for Hawai‘i Island’s Waimanu campsites, Keanakolu cabins and Ainapo cabin will be issued. All existing permits are suspended and full refunds will be issued. There are no restrictions on otherwise permitted activities, including public access, hunting and recreation. All DOFAW offices statewide are closed to in-person access. Hunting licenses are available at: https://hunting.ehawaii.gov Camping permits are available at: https://camping.ehawaii.gov Collection permits are available upon request at: dlnr.fw.oahubranch@hawaii.gov Hiking permits for Lulumahu and Kuaokala trails are available at: https://trails.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,e-search.html#. Poamoho hiking permits are available at: https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/poamoho-trail–poamoho-hele-loa-access-on-line-permit/175 DLNR Main Office (Chair’s Office) – (808) 587-0400 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ Offices at 1151 Punchbowl Street, in the Kalanimoku State Office Building have limited in-person access.Please call the number above or contact DLNR at dlnr@hawaii.gov Engineering Division – (808) 587-0230 http://dlnreng.hawaii.gov/ Engineering Division Office, Room 221, in the Kalanimoku State Office Building are closed to in-person access, except for deliveries and mail drop off/pick-up.E-mail inquiries to dlnr.engr@hawaii.gov Administrative Services Office (Fiscal Office) – (808) 587-0344 The office at 1151 Punchbowl Street, in the Kalanimoku State Office Building, is not accepting walk-in payments. Payments can be mailed to P.O. Box 621, Honolulu, HI 96809-0621. State Historic Preservation Office (SHPD) – (808) 692-8015 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/shpd/ SHPD Offices are closed to in-person access.Communications, including formal project submittals must be sent electronically.The SHPD Librarian and GIS Specialist will respond to requests for digital library and archival materials, and GIS data on a first-come, first-served basis.To report the inadvertent discovery of a burial site, please call the number above. Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) – (808) 243-5020 http://www.kahoolawe.hawaii.gov/home.php KIRC’s Wailuku Office is closed to in-person access.All Kaho‘olawe trolling permits will only be accepted by mail. Boat stickers and permits will be mailed to applicants.Mail permit applications to: 811 Kolu St., Suite 201, Wailuku, HI 96793The KIRC will be continuing recovery and restoration activities due to a recent wildfire on Kaho‘olawe, but work groups are being reduced in size. Land Division – (808) 587-0419 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ld/ All Land Division Offices statewide are closed to in-person access. Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) – (808) 587-0377 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/occl/ OCCL Offices are closed to in-person access.For information about Conservation District regulations and policies visit the OCCL webpage.Applications and inquiries can be mailed to Office of Conservation & Coastal Lands, P.O. 621, Honolulu, HI 96809-0621. Division of State Parks – (808) 587-0300 https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/ State Parks Offices statewide are closed to in-person accessCaretakers will continue to maintain, monitor and service parks during these closures.Camping and pavilion use permits are suspended.Vendors and concessions are being contacted with cease-of-operations instructions.The following parks will be closed effective, March 18, 2020 Hawai‘i Island: ‘Akaka Falls State Park Kekaha Kai State Park Wailoa River State Recreation Area Wailuku River State Park Hāpuna Beach SRA Kīholo State Park Reserve Kaua‘i: All State Parks, Recreational Piers, Wilderness Parks and Historic Parks Maui: Iao Valley State Monument Wai’anapanapa State Park Kaumahina State Wayside Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside Makena State Park Polipoli State Recreational Area-cabin and tent camping Molokai: Pala’au State Park Oahu: All State Parks, Monuments, Waysides, Lookouts, Historical Sites and Recreation Areas Chair Case commented, “While we are disappointed to have to close parks and facilities and to cancel hunts, camping, special use permits and events, due to the necessity of social distancing, the health and safety of our staff serving the public and the safety of the community is our highest priority. We continue working very closely with other state agencies and will provide updates about any additional closures or restrictions that might be necessary to keep everyone safe.” Source: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/03/17/nr20-035/ #COVID19 #Coronavirus #Hawaii #DLNR #ParkClosures

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. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DOH #Health #DavidIge