Three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 identified on O‘ahu and Maui As of March 16, 2020, as of 3:30 pm, there are a total of 10 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. Three new positive results were announced today for two O‘ahu residents, and one visitor on Maui. The Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring all of these individuals and supervising their isolation as well as the self-quarantine of their family members. COVID-19 testing is not for individuals who are well or experiencing mild to moderate flu-like symptoms To help manage available healthcare resources for the public statewide, DOH advises everyone to take the following steps: Stay home if you are experiencing mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. Call ahead to your healthcare provider before going to a healthcare facility. If your doctor would like you to come in for a screening, bring a photo ID and insurance card. If your doctor decides that you meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing, he or she will provide a lab order for the test and take the swab for testing. The specimen will be sent to a private or state lab for the results. List of screening sites statewide now available on DOH website A current list of Hawai‘i healthcare facilities offering screening for potential candidates for COVID-19 testing is now available on the DOH website at health.hawaii.gov/updates. A screening determines if a person meets the criteria for a COVID-19 test. The actual test involves taking a swab from the back a person’s nose and throat to test for the virus. Definitions of isolation and quarantine Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease. Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. DOH updates guidance on public events and group gatherings To protect the public’s health and wellbeing, the Hawa‘i Department of Health is recommending for the next eight weeks that large, crowded gatherings or public events of 50 or more attendees be postponed, canceled or held virtually. When possible, attendees should be about two-arms-length or six feet apart. Elderly adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at a greater risk for COVID-19 infection or respiratory illnesses should avoid attending public gatherings. DOE extends spring break through March 27 for all public and charter schools The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) is extending its spring break through March 27 for all public and charter school students. DOE will use the additional time from March 23 to 27 to plan for the implementation of social distancing within the school setting, arrange for professional development to support modified operations, and thoroughly clean schools. View the news release online here. 2-1-1 Call Center for Information on COVID-19 The Aloha United Way call center is open daily between 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. For information or questions about COVID-19: Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state Text 877-275-6569 Email info211@auw.org Visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 16, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. (updated as new information becomes available) Number of Confirmed or Presumptive Positive Case(s)* 10 Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending) 7 Number of Persons Under Investigation (closed, testing negative) 86 Number of Person Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision 9 The 9 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision are all on O‘ahu. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH. Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory such as the DOH State Laboratories Division. *The CDC has advised states that respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV2 in a state and public-health laboratory will be considered “positive” with no need for further testing. Presumptive Positive: Positive test results from a private laboratory requiring confirmation by a state public health laboratory. Persons Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending. Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DOH #Health #WorldHealthOrganization #WHO #HawaiiSenate #CDC

Hawaii Attorney General Clare E. Connors and Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection Executive Director Stephen Levins are urging the Hawaii public to beware of, and report, scams and price gouging related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “The public has to be extra cautious of those who would take advantage of our community in a crisis situation,” said AG Connors.” “We advise everyone to be vigilant, especially as we all work to ensure that everyone has access to necessities.” Hawaii consumers should be vigilant as scammers attempt to take advantage of the public’s fear of the health situation by setting up charity scam websites, offering bogus medical treatment claiming to cure or prevent COVID-19, and disseminating misinformation about the disease through social media, text messages, and emails. Watch for fraudulent emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. Verify information through trusted government websites such as www.ftc.gov, www.cdc.gov, health.hawaii.gov, www.who.int, etc. Do not click on links from sources you do not know as doing so may lead to computer viruses or phishing attempts. Ignore offers of goods or services for COVID-19. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure COVID-19. Scammers may still offer fake vaccines and other bogus medical products claiming to offer “cures” for the virus. They may also offer “get rich quick” investment schemes for unproven virus treatments. Beware of fundraising solicitations and do not rush into making donations whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. You should never feel rushed or pressured to donate, and never make donations in cash, by gift card, or by money wire. Be sure to do your due diligence to verify the charity’s legitimacy. Price gouging refers to sellers trying to take unfair advantage of consumers during an emergency or disaster by greatly increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services. “Price gouging will not be tolerated in the State of Hawaii,” said Stephen Levins. “All reports of price gouging are being fully investigated and anyone found to have engaged in the practice will be prosecuted. We’re all in this together and no one should be taking advantage of our community during these challenging times.” Even though the Office of Consumer Protection does not represent individuals, it may, on behalf of the public, investigate or prosecute someone who has engaged in price gouging. Anyone who believes that they have been the victim of price gouging, or who has information regarding potential price gouging, is encouraged to immediately file a complaint with the OCP by calling (808) 587-4272 or online at https://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/consumer-complaint/. Finally, the public is urged not to hoard materials and supplies.  Much of the hoarding is being driven by false rumors.  Please shop for your weekly needs and leave items for other who need to do the same. #ScamAlert #ConsumerProtection #ClareConnors #PriceGouging #Coronavirus #COVID19

The Queen’s Health Systems is announcing several updates to the operations of its 4 hospitals and other facilities around the state effective today: VISITOR POLICY: The Queen’s Medical Center Punchbowl: *2 visitors per patient are welcome *Visiting hours are daily from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. *Children under 12 years old are not allowed unless receiving care as a patient The Queen’s Medical Center - West O’ahu: *2 visitors per patient are welcome *Children under 12 years old are not allowed unless receiving care as a patient *Access Points: Main lobby, Emergency Department visitor entrance Molokai General Hospital: *2 visitors per patient are welcome *Children under 12 years old are not allowed unless receiving care as a patient Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital: *1 visitor per patient allowed in the hospital *Children under 12 years old are not allowed unless receiving care as a patient *Access Points: Front lobby 5:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Emergency Department (after hours) *Visitors who exhibit flu-like symptoms will not be allowed on inpatient areas. *You are encouraged to check with the individual units for any special instructions on visitor policies. #QueensHealthCare #Health #COVID19 #Coronavirus

Due to concerns caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic, Senators Rosalyn H. Baker (South and West Maui) and J. Kalani English (Hana, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, Kaho‘olawe), and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means are postponing the public briefing for Grant-in-Aid applications until further notice. The hearing was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 21, 2020, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College, Ka Lama Building, room 103. Besides Senators Baker and English, Ways and Means Committee Chair Senator Donovan Dela Cruz (representing District 22 on O‘ahu) and Vice Chair Gilbert Keith-Agaran (Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului) were going to be present at the public briefing. #GrantInAid #Maui #HawaiiSenate #COVID19 #Coronavirus

The supplemental emergency proclamation is posted online at: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2003109-ATG_COVID-19-Supplementary-Proclamation-signed.pdf Gov. David Y. Ige signed today a supplemental emergency proclamation adding provisions to protect the health and safety of the people of Hawaiʻi as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. “Across the globe and here in Hawaiʻi, we’re seeing disruptions to every aspect of our lives. As more cases are confirmed, events cancelled, and social distancing measures taken, it’s understandable that people are anxious. This supplemental emergency proclamation allows us to take unprecedented actions to protect the most vulnerable members of our community and ensure that medical resources are available to those who most need them,” said Gov. Ige. Gov. Ige announced that he has appointed Ken Hara, director, Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, to be the incident commander. “This move aligns the state’s emergency response to the federal structure, and it brings added capacity and federal resources to help the state,” said Director Hara. The supplemental proclamation permits the governor to take the following actions: Suspend administrative procedures and Sunshine Law requirements to allow public meetings to be conducted electronically. All reasonable measures will be taken to ensure public participation that is consistent with recommended social distancing practices. Waive the one-week waiting period for Unemployment Insurance. Prevent hoarding of items needed for the public welfare. Gov. Ige praised healthcare providers for their extraordinary efforts to find and treat COVID-19 in Hawaiʻi. “Our private healthcare providers are proud to be part of this effort and will continue to work collaboratively with all our partners to serve the people of Hawaiʻi,” said Hilton Raethel, President and CEO, Healthcare Association of Hawaii. “This is an all-community effort. Each of us has a part to play. I know that when we work together, we can do great things,” said Gov. Ige. The supplemental emergency proclamation is effective until May 12, 2020. Source: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2003109-ATG_COVID-19-Supplementary-Proclamation-signed.pdf #COVID19 #Coronavirus #HILeg2020 #DavidIge #EmergencyProclamation

SPEAKER SCOTT K. SAIKI AND SENATE PRESIDENT RONALD D. KOUCHI ANNOUNCE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION TO TACKLE SPREAD OF COVID-19 AND PROTECT THE PUBLIC House Speaker Scott K. Saiki and Senate President Ronald D. Kouchi today announced that they are taking steps to prepare the State Legislature for actions needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and well-being of the public. One such immediate measure is the suspension of the legislative session indefinitely, starting on Tuesday, March 17. Last week the Director-General for the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic, and President Trump proclaimed the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency. This month Governor Ige issued an emergency proclamation that allows the state to work quickly to stop the spread of the disease. "We're currently at a point in the legislative session where key legislation is being advanced and members of the public feel compelled to be here to testify on important issues," said Speaker Saiki. "We want to protect those who would otherwise feel compelled to be here." The Hawaiʻi State Capitol is the primary workplace of the Governor, the Lt. Governor, and State lawmakers, as well as support agencies, including the Department of Accounting and General Services and the Department of Public Safety. "On any given day, hundreds of people visit and work at the State Capitol. To combat the spread of COVID-19, it is important that we limit gatherings, especially those involving vulnerable populations," said President Kouchi. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals practice "social distancing", which means remaining out of crowded public places where close contact with others may occur, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance—approximately 6 feet—from others when possible. In its COVID-19 Daily Update dated March 13, 2020, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health provides guidance on public events and group gatherings: The Department of Health is recommending gatherings held in enclosed spaces that do not allow social distancing also be postponed or canceled or held virtually. When possible, attendees should be about two-arms-length or six feet apart. Elderly adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at a greater risk for COVID-19 or respiratory illnesses should avoid attending large public gatherings. "Both chambers have consulted with their colleagues and decided this is the right thing to do in light of the current circumstances. This decision was made out of an abundance of caution and we will resume the session at a future date," said President Kouchi. "We appreciate the understanding and flexibility of the people of Hawaiʻi while we as a state work to prepare and protect our communities," added Speaker Saiki. Legislative leaders will be in contact with each other and will reassess the situation daily. Speaker Saiki and President Kouchi will declare through a signed memorandum the day and time to reconvene the session For State Department of Health COVID-19 updates, go to https://health.hawaii.gov/news/covid-19-updates/. For information from the Centers for Disease Control, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #SocialDistancing #HILeg2020 #WHO #DavidIge #JoshGreen #RonKouchi #ScottSaiki

Additional test results received from private laboratories – individuals exposed during out-of-state travel As of March 15, 2020, there are a total of seven confirmed positive test results for COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. Three of the seven positive results were announced today for two O‘ahu residents and one visitor on Maui.  All of the cases are travel related and were exposed outside of Hawai‘i. The Department of Health received the three recent test results late yesterday from Clinical Labs of Hawaii and immediately notified Honolulu and Maui Counties and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The two O‘ahu residents are recovering in self-isolation at home and the Maui visitor is in isolation at a Lahaina facility away from the public. The Department of Health is monitoring all of these individuals and supervising their isolation as well as the self-quarantine of their family members. A total of approximately 80 test results received from Clinical Labs of Hawaii yesterday are being reviewed by the Department of Health. Three of the test results were positive and the rest of the test results were negative. Some of the negative reports were duplicated and required additional review. Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease: Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. DOE extends spring break through March 27 for all public schools The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) is extending its spring break through March 27 for all public and charter school students. The Department will use the additional time from March 23-27 to plan for implementation of social distancing within the school setting, arrange for professional development to support modified operations, and thoroughly clean schools. View the news release online here. DOH Guidance on Public Events and Group Gatherings To protect the public’s health and wellbeing, the Hawa‘i Department of Health is recommending large, crowded gatherings or public events be postponed or canceled. The Department of Health is recommending gatherings held in enclosed spaces that do not allow social distancing also be postponed or canceled or held virtually. When possible, attendees should be about two-arms-length or six feet apart. Elderly adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at a greater risk for COVID-19 or respiratory illnesses should avoid attending large public gatherings. Wilcox Medical Center offering COVID-19 drive-up specimen collection Wilcox, along with Hawai‘i Pacific Health’s three O‘ahu medical centers – Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, Pali Momi Medical Center and Straub Medical Center – began offering drive-up specimen collections on Friday, March 13. Regular hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Patients need a physician order for the test, along with a photo ID and insurance card. So, it’s very important for people to know that if they are interested in being tested, they need to contact their doctor first. Their doctor will determine the need for testing based on a number of factors, including symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, shortness of breath), travel history and/or other concerns for COVID-19. Should their doctor decide that the patient meets the criteria for COVID-19 testing, their doctor will provide a lab order for the test. The Queen’s Medical Center – Punchbowl The Queen’s Medical Center - Punchbowl has established a triage center. A tent has been set up to screen patients for COVID-19 from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Only symptomatic people at risk who have doctor’s orders will be tested. The tent is only for those with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. Patients that need any significant level of care will be triaged into the main emergency room. Other healthcare facilities, including those on the neighbor islands, also have plans to establish similar COVID-19 testing sites. Extended Hours for Public Calls to AUW 2-1-1 on COVID-19 Aloha United Way has extended its public call center hours to 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information or questions about COVID-19: Call 2-1-1 from any location in the stateText 877-275-6569Email info211@auw.orgVisit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov Aloha United Way has extended its public call center hours to 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information or questions about COVID-19: Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state Text 877-275-6569 Email info211@auw.org Visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 15, 2020 at 5 p.m. (updated as new information becomes available) Number of Confirmed or Presumptive Positive Case(s)* 7 Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending) 1 Number of Persons Under Investigation (closed, testing negative) 49 Number of Persons Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision 9 The 9 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision are all on O‘ahu. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH. Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory such as the DOH State Laboratories Division. *The CDC has advised states that respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV2 in a state and public-health laboratory will be considered “positive” with no need for further testing. Presumptive Positive: Positive test results from a private laboratory requiring confirmation by a state public health laboratory. Person Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending. Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DOH #Health #DavidIge

HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) is extending its spring break through March 27 for all public and charter school students. The Department will use the additional time from March 23-27 to plan for implementation of social distancing within the school setting, arrange for professional development to support modified operations, and thoroughly clean schools. Mililani Middle, Kapolei Middle and Holomua Elementary will be off multi-track schedules for two weeks from March 16-27. Normal school operations for all schools are expected to resume Monday, March 30. Spring break was originally scheduled to run from March 16-20 for most HIDOE schools, and Thursday, March 26, is Prince Kuhio Day, which is a state holiday. “We understand the impact this will have on our families. This was not an easy decision to make but we take seriously our responsibility to safeguard the health and safety of our students, staff and the broader community while carrying out our educational mission,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said. “Public schools serve as hubs of care in our communities, from access to health care to providing free and reduced price meals. We intend to restart school immediately once it is deemed safe to do so to reduce disruption to our school communities and provide consistency for our children.” All planned school and Department-coordinated events of more than 100 attendees are being canceled, effective Monday, March 16, until updated guidance is provided by health officials. Graduation ceremonies, which are normally held in mid-to-late May, have not yet been modified; scheduling announcements will be made at a future date. Official updates will continue to be posted on HIDOE’s website and social media. http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/ConnectWithUs/MediaRoom/PressReleases/Pages/DOE-extends-spring-break.aspx

Hawai‘i State Senate President and Vice President statement on school closures and next steps to mitigate COVID-19 Governor David Ige announced today that all publicly funded schools in the State of Hawai‘i will be closed for the next two weeks, until March 30. This includes all public schools, charter schools, track schools, A+, and early learning classrooms. Federally funded Head Start and Pre-Plus will also be following the State’s lead and closing. State officials will be monitoring the situation and making further announcements in the weeks ahead. Senate Vice President and Education Chair Michelle Kidani said: “Extending spring break is a precaution that we need to take. We know many parents who are working parents will be facing childcare issues. We hope that employers in Hawai‘i will consider making alternate work arrangements for parents such as teleworking so they can stay home with their children if possible.” Senate President Ron Kouchi said: “I echo Education Chair Kidani’s comments about supporting parents impacted by this change. We must act in the best interest of our educators and students. House and Senate leadership have been discussing the next steps the Legislature will be taking to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and we will be making an announcement early next week.” #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DavidIge #HawaiiSenate

As of March 14, 2020, there are a total of 4 confirmed positive test results for COVID-19 in Hawai‘i. Two positive results were announced today for two visitors on Kaua‘i who traveled from Indiana. The Department of Health received the test results last night and immediately notified the County of Kauaʻi and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The two individuals are in isolation under supervision and monitoring by the DOH Kaua‘i District Health Office.  DOH is now working with the CDC to develop next-step response and mitigation initiatives. DOH will follow up with those who have had close contacts with those individuals. Isolation and quarantine help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease. Isolation separates sick people with a contagious disease from people who are not sick. Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. At this time, at least three healthcare workers (one on Kauaʻi and two on Maui) have been excluded from work because of possible exposure. Community Surveillance Testing Program As announced earlier this week (https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/department-of-health-steps-up-testing-for-covid-19-about-200-tests-to-be-conducted-each-week/) the Hawai‘i State Department of Health launched a statewide surveillance testing program to identify cases and community spread of the coronavirus. Testing on the first two batches of samples collected statewide has been completed, and of the 62 random samples tested, all 62 were negative for COVID-19. This is good news for Hawai‘i as positive results would have indicated “community spread” of the disease. While we cannot rule out community spread, the negative results are an encouraging benchmark. Community spread is defined as cases that cannot be traced back to a traveler or those who came in contact with someone who has been affected by the coronavirus. The goal of the program to detect new cases quickly and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the United States. Background on the surveillance program: The Hawai‘i Department of Health, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is working with participating healthcare providers, primarily doctor’s offices and other outpatient settings, to collect samples to be tested for COVID-19. These are providers who normally collect samples from patients with respiratory symptoms to test for influenza. The Hawai‘i Department of Health will then randomly select from among those samples to test for COVID-19. DOH Guidance on Public Events and Group Gatherings To protect the public’s health and wellbeing, the Hawa‘i Department of Health is recommending large, crowded gatherings or public events be postponed or canceled. The Department of Health is recommending gatherings held in enclosed spaces that do not allow social distancing also be postponed or canceled or held virtually. When possible, attendees should be about two-arms-length or six feet apart. Elderly adults and those with underlying health conditions who are at a greater risk for COVID-19 or respiratory illnesses should avoid attending large public gatherings. Clarification of COVID-19 Test Candidates COVID-19 testing is not intended for all residents. Testing those who are well or at low risk for exposure is not an efficient use of resources. To ensure judicious use of resources, healthcare providers statewide are triaging and determining if their patients meet the criteria to initiate COVID-19 testing. Patients must have a physician’s order to be tested. This week, the Department of Health issued a medical advisory with risk assessment and management guidelines to healthcare providers to identify patients who are most at risk for COVID-19 infection. Those considered at high risk are those who have been living with an intimate partner, or are caring for a person who has been confirmed positive for COVID-19. Those who are at medium risk are those who have traveled to an affected country or state, as determined by the CDC, within the past 14 days; have had intimate contact with a confirmed symptomatic person; or have had close contact with a symptomatic person without precautions. Testing at the DOH State Laboratories Division is being conducted on Persons Under Investigation who are at high or medium risk. Persons who are considered low risk are those who have been in the same indoor environment such a planes and restaurants without having close contact with a confirmed symptomatic person. The Queen’s Medical Center – Punchbowl The Queen’s Medical Center - Punchbowl has established a triage center. A tent has been set up to screen patients for COVID-19 from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Only symptomatic people at risk who have doctor’s orders will be tested. The tent is only for those with mild to moderate flu-like symptoms. Patients that need any significant level of care will be triaged into the main emergency room. Other healthcare facilities, including those on the neighbor islands, also have plans to establish similar COVID-19 testing sites. Matson continuing operations without interruption Matson issued the following statement yesterday in response to concerns circulating in Hawaiʻi about service disruption: All Matson operations continue uninterrupted. Matson intends to maintain all service schedules as normal with three arrivals a week to Honolulu and twice a week calls to each neighbor island port. Matson is committed to taking all appropriate steps to ensure the continuation of services, including the deployment of reserve vessels if necessary to continue meeting the needs of our customers. Matson is monitoring developments closely and ensuring compliance with all United States Coast Guard and local, federal and international government reporting and prevention directives for maritime operations. Matson also has frequent and regular communication with the United States Coast Guard and Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation regarding commercial port operations. Extended Hours for Public Calls to AUW 2-1-1 on COVID-19 Aloha United Way has extended its public call center hours to 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., 7 days a week. For more information or questions about COVID-19: Call 2-1-1 from any location in the state Text 877-275-6569 Email info211@auw.org Visit health.hawaii.gov/covid19 or coronavirus.gov State Laboratories Division testing The Hawaii Department of Health is capable of conducting in-state testing for up to 250 individuals per week for COVID-19. Results can be ready within 24-48 hours of a sample being collected. This enhances the state’s prevention and mitigation response capabilities to further safeguard the health of people in Hawaii. It is anticipated that private and clinical labs in California and Hawaii may have testing capability in a few weeks. COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of March 14, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. (updated as new information becomes available) Number of Presumptive Confirmed Case(s) 4 Number of Persons Under Investigation (current, testing pending) 0 Number of Persons Under Investigation (closed, testing negative) 49 Number of Persons Self-Monitoring with DOH supervision 23 Of the 23 individuals who are self-monitoring with public health supervision, 20 are on Oʻahu and 3 are on Maui. These numbers fluctuate often as travelers arrive, depart, or begin and end their self-monitoring with supervision by DOH. Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory such as the DOH State Laboratories Division. *Today, CDC advised states that respiratory samples positive for SARS-CoV2 in a state and public-health laboratory will be considered “positive” with no need for further testing. Person Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending. Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff. #COVID19 #Coronavirus #DOH #Health #WorldHealthOrganization #DailyUpdate #HawaiiSenate

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige has appointed long-time Hilo attorney Peter Kubota to fill the vacancy left on the Third Circuit Court by the retirement of Circuit Judge Greg K. Nakamura. Nakamura retired in November 2019. Kubota has practiced law for 30 years, specializing in estate planning, real property advice and litigation, and business law. He began his solo law practice in Hilo 24 years ago. Last year, Kubota was appointed to serve as a per-diem judge in District and Family Courts. Kubota is a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Richardson School of Law where he earned is Juris Doctor degree; the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where he received his BBA in Finance; and Hilo High School. “I am so pleased and grateful to Governor Ige for trusting in me to serve our community, and the laws and constitutions of the United States and our beautiful State of Hawai‘i,” said Kubota. Kubota’s appointment is subject to Senate confirmation. #PeterKubota #HawaiiJudiciary #HawaiiSenate #DavidIge

Public Special Use Permit Events at the Hawaii State Capitol, Washington Place and other Facilities Managed by DAGS Suspended; Hawaii State Museum to Close Until Further Notice HONOLULU – The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) is suspending all public special use permit events at the Hawaii State Capitol, Washington Place, and other facilities it manages beginning Monday, March 16. The Hawaii State Art Museum will be closed until further notice. This is a preventative action in response to the growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19.  Health officials have recommended that seniors and those with underlying health conditions avoid large crowds.  Special use permit events at DAGS facilities are tentatively set to resume on May 15. For more information on COVID-19:  https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/advisories/novel-coronavirus-2019/ #Coronavirus #COVID19 #DAGS #HawaiiStateCapitol #WashingtonPlace