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  • DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY COVID-19 UPDATE FOR 8/13/20

    Seventy (70) additional Oahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) inmates and 7 adult corrections offices (ACOs) tested positive for COVID-19. The Department of Public Safety (PSD) coordinated with the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct mass testing of all OCCC inmates in each of the 19 individual housing units there. In all, approximately 110 inmates were tested Tuesday with 70 testing positive and 40 negative. Another 63 inmates were tested yesterday and those test results are pending. All remaining inmates will be tested in the coming days. “As the mass testing continues, we expect to see more positive cases. We appreciate how fast the DOH and National Guard are moving to coordinate the testing of identified staff and inmates. OCCC staff have done an amazing job following the PSD Pandemic Plan to quickly identify and quarantine these individuals. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to mitigate the spread of this virus,” says Public Safety Director Nolan Espinda. The previous inmate testing numbers reported were tests conducted by facility health care staff, for symptom and/or in relation to possible contact with confirmed positive individuals. OCCC is contracting with a professional cleaning/sanitation company to perform a deep-clean of the quarantine housing and intake areas at OCCC as soon as possible. In the meantime, OCCC operations staff and work lines are increasing cleaning of all housing and intake areas. All transports to court from all Oahu facilities will be suspended through Friday. Video hearings will still be accommodated to the extent possible and as legally permissible. PSD is in constant contact with the Judiciary to assure the safety of all staff and inmates involved. PSD will continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 and make additional operational and preventative decisions as the situation evolves. For more information on PSD’s planning and response to COVID-19, inmate testing data, and information detailing the efforts made to safeguard the inmates, staff and public, visit: http://dps.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/03/17/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-resources/ Source: Department of Public Safety

  • COVID-19 CASES REACH NEW ONE DAY RECORD OF 355 INFECTIONS - Death Toll Rises to 40

    Two O‘ahu men, both over 60-years-old are the latest victims of COVID-19. And today, DOH reports at least 86 new diagnosed cases of coronavirus are part of an existing cluster at the O‘ahu Community Correctional Facility (OCCC). Health investigators say at least 116 cases are attributable to OCCC, with 24 staff and 92 inmates having tested positive for COVID-19. The 86 cases are part of the 355 newly diagnosed cases today; the record single day case count since the beginning of the pandemic. The State and City & County of Honolulu are working with the Institute for Human Services (IHS) Sumner Men’s Shelter in Iwilei to isolate and quarantine individuals at the shelter, with 20 cases under investigation. The DOH is also continuing its epidemiological investigation into a cluster of cases at Honolulu Hale, which now totals 11 individuals, who may have been infected during gatherings at offices during breaks or social get-togethers, according to employees who have been interviewed. “With the virus actively being spread throughout the community on O‘ahu, congregate settings like prisons and institutions are at increased risk of introduction and should prepare as the Dept. of Public Safety and IHS have done,” Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said. “These agencies were ready and stepped into action quickly, working with the DOH on control and prevention measures to protect those at risk and the community. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the latest people to succumb to this disease.”

  • Governor Ige announces bond sale for capital improvement projects

    Gov. Ige announced today that the State of Hawaiʻi successfully sold $995 million of general obligation (GO) bonds. Proceeds from the sale will be used to finance capital improvement costs such as the acquisition, construction, and improvement of various public buildings and facilities, elementary and secondary schools, community college and university facilities, public libraries, and parks, and other public purposes. “This bond sale is a critical component of the state's plan to stimulate the local economy by spending on capital projects that will keep many residents working while delivering needed improvements to our public facilities,” said Gov. Ige. The successful sale of nearly $1 billion of state general obligation bonds to a broad range of domestic and international investors speaks to continued confidence in the long-term prospects of the state. The state used video conferencing to engage Fitch, Moody's, and Standard & Poor’s in the credit ratings process and presentations that were led by Gov. Ige. The ratings effort culminated with Fitch and Standard & Poor's maintaining their ratings of AA+ with a negative outlook for the state's general obligation bond debt. They cited the state's increased reserves and control over a broad array of budget balancing options and the state's strong financial position and management's well-established, proactive budget monitoring practices, respectively. In assigning a revised rating of Aa2 with a stable outlook Moody's acknowledged the state's strong financial governance practices and noted the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the state and its tourism industry. Craig K. Hirai, the director of finance who is responsible for state budgeting and financing programs stated, “The state's considerable efforts to implement prudent fiscal policies and programs and build state reserves positioned us to better navigate the current fiscal environment. Hawaiʻi’s collective efforts have been recognized by the credit rating agencies and were further validated by investors.” The state engaged in extensive marketing efforts of the bonds that included investor presentations held via video conferencing as well as the use of international disclosure language in the preliminary official statement that allowed the syndicate to market the transaction to international investors. Over 72 investors placed orders and the state received international interest from Europe and Asia. The state's strong credit and long-term strength appealed to a large range of buyers. A strong market and substantial demand for the state's bonds facilitated the state's achievement of extraordinarily low rates. The $995 million of new money 2020 FZ Series GO bonds have maturities ranging from 2025 to 2040. The bonds were issued at a historically low all-in true interest cost of 1.90%. BofA Securities served as lead underwriter, Morgan Stanley served as co-senior manager, with Citigroup and Goldman Sachs serving as co-managers for the offering.

  • Pavement preservation on the H-1 Freeway Waimalu viaduct begins Thursday, August 13

    The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) notifies Oahu motorists that pavement preservation has been scheduled for the H-1 Freeway Waimalu Viaduct in both directions between the Pearl City Interchange and the Halawa Interchange. The pavement preservation work will consist of filling of potholes and application of a surface treatment to the deck to increase the life of the repairs and surface friction. Roadwork will occur during nighttime hours over a two-week period, with closures starting on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. Motorists should be aware that roadwork has been permitted to occur on Statehood Day on Friday night, Aug. 21, 2020. Closure details are as follows. Westbound closures Aug. 13 – Three to four left lanes will be closed from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Aug. 14 – Three to four left lanes will be closed from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15 – Three to four left lanes will be closed from 6 p.m. to 10:15 a.m. Aug. 21 – Four right lanes will be closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. Aug. 22 – Three right lanes and shoulder will closed from 6 p.m. to 10:15 a.m. Eastbound closures Aug. 13 – Two to three left lanes will be closed from 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Aug. 15 – Two to three left lanes will be closed from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. Aug. 18 – Two to three left lanes will be closed from 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Aug. 19 – Three left lanes will be closed from 7:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Aug. 20 – Two to three right lanes will be closed from 6:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. Aug. 21 – Three right lanes and shoulder will be closed from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Aug. 22 – Three right lanes and shoulder will be closed from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. HDOT advises motorists to plan ahead and to drive with caution when traveling through the area. Electronic message boards will be in place to provide motorists with advance notice of closures. Special Duty Police Officers will be on-site to assist with traffic control and safety procedures. To view weekly lane closure updates, please visit our roadwork page on our HDOT website at https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/roadwork/

  • Multiple clusters continue spread of COVID-19: Death Toll Rises to 38

    Multiple clusters continue spread of COVID-19 Death Toll Rises to 38 Community spread of the coronavirus, particularly on O‘ahu, continues to be the primary cause of new infections. Today, of the 202 newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19, 197 are on O‘ahu. Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i each had two (2) additional cases, while Maui reported one (1). There are multiple clusters of infections, including five (5) distinct restaurant clusters; however, each involves a few employees at single locations, and no transmission to customers has been identified at this time. An employee potluck at Honolulu Hale is a potential transmission source for 11 cases of illness among City and County of Honolulu workers. State Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said, “The important factor to keep in mind is, community-associated infections continue to be the responsible for the surge in COVID-19 cases in the past week and a half. The virus is transmitted though droplets, and that’s why wearing masks and distancing is so important. We must all continue these and other safe practices.” The department is investigating these cases and working with these establishments on quarantine and prevention measures for their staff. There is no risk to the public at this time and no cases beyond the workers. As more information becomes available it will be shared. Anderson also extended condolences to the family and friends of four O‘ahu men; the latest victims of the disease. The deaths of two of the men, both over 60-years-old, were reported yesterday but included in case counts today. The third and fourth deaths reported today are men 40-59 years old, at least one of whom had underlying health conditions. Investigations into all of the deaths are ongoing. The death toll in Hawai‘i from COVID-19 now stands at 38.

  • Hawai'i COVID-19 Joint Information Center's Daily News Digest for August 11, 2020

    Hawai'i COVID-19 Joint Information Center's Daily News Digest August 11, 2020 Department of Health: Multiple Clusters Continue Spread of COVID-19 as Death Toll Rises to 38 Community spread of the coronavirus, particularly on O‘ahu, continues to be the primary cause of new infections. Today, of the 202 newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19, 197 are on O‘ahu. Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i each had two (2) additional cases, while Maui reported one (1). There are multiple clusters of infections, including five (5) distinct restaurant clusters; however, each involves a few employees at single locations, and no transmission to customers has been identified at this time. Honolulu Hale is a potential transmission source for 11 cases of illness among City and County of Honolulu personnel, primarily involving workers in a single office. DOH is still investigating. Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson extended condolences to the family and friends of four O‘ahu men, the latest victims of the disease. The deaths of two of the men, both over 60-years-old, were reported yesterday but included in case counts today. The third and fourth deaths reported today are men 40-59 years old, at least one of whom had underlying health conditions. Investigations into all of the deaths are ongoing. The death toll in Hawai‘i from COVID-19 now stands at 38. https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/latest-news/hawaii-covid-19-joint-information-center-news-release-multiple-clusters-continue-spread-of-covid-19-august-12-2020/ For more tables, charts and visualizations visit the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division: https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/what-you-should-know/current-situation-in-hawaii Resources for Employers & Employees if Someone at Work is COVID-19 Positive These links, the first two from DOH and the second from the Hawai‘i and U.S. Departments of Labor, provide recommendations and information on how to handle workplace infections. https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/files/2020/05/What-to-Do-if-a-Person-at-Your-Worksite-has-COVID-19.pdf https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/what-you-should-know/faqs/ https://labor.hawaii.gov/hiosh/main/covid-19/ https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/ Hawai‘i Tourism Authority: 2,253 Passengers Arrive on Tuesday Yesterday, a total of 2,253 people arrived in Hawai‘i including 586 visitors and 773 returning residents. There was a total of 30 arriving flights. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday but does not show interisland travel. Hawai‘i State Judiciary: O‘ahu Family Court Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19 An O‘ahu Family Court employee has tested positive for COVID-19, the Hawai‘i State Judiciary announced Tuesday. It’s the second confirmed positive case of a Judiciary employee. Last week an asymptomatic employee at the South Kohala District Court on Hawai‘i Island tested positive. The O‘ahu employee last worked at the courthouse on Friday, began experiencing symptoms on Saturday, and received the positive test result on Tuesday. All employees who had close, prolonged contact with the affected individual during the pertinent time period last week were sent home to self-quarantine and advised to consult with their medical providers. They will return to work when medically appropriate to do so. Partner agencies have also been informed of the situation. The Judiciary worked with DOH regarding all appropriate measures of response. Contact tracing and appropriate cleaning have begun. The Kapolei Judiciary Complex, where the Family Court is located, will remain open. The Judiciary has been limiting access to its facilities to those with official court business only. In addition, First Circuit Chief Judge R. Mark Browning issued an order on Monday that increases the number of proceedings to be conducted remotely by video conference or by telephone. This was done in response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases on O‘ahu. To view more: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/news_and_reports/2020/08/oahu-family-court-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19 Department of the Attorney General: Honolulu Taxi Driver Arrested for Quarantine Violation A 41-year old, Honolulu cabbie, Hassan Yusef Mohamoud was arrested this morning outside of his residence by Special Agents from the Investigations Division of the Dept. of the Attorney General for violating the 14-day mandatory quarantine order. An anonymous caller reported that Mohamoud, who had an exemption as a taxi driver, was violating his exemption by conducting non-exempt personal business. Yesterday, the final day of his mandatory quarantine period, agents say he went shopping at a windward O‘ahu shopping center. He was booked and charged, and his bail is set at $2,000.

  • ETS News Release: Check out the latest ETS newsletter: HOWZIT

    The latest version of the Office of Enterprise Technology Services’ newsletter is out!  Get up to date with ETS’ activities and news. To read the newsletter, click here:  HowzIT

  • Honolulu woman's powerful story of surviving COVID-19

    There was a time, in the spring, when Sarah Bolles of Salt Lake thought she was going to die. Diagnosed in the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic she credits excellent health care, her faith, and the support of her family for her survival. It was definitely touch and go, and in a recent interview she reflected on just how close she was to death’s door, her struggle to overcome the insidious coronavirus, and now six months later, her continuing physical and emotional struggles. Her first symptom was a headache, quickly followed by a fever…a really high one of 104.3 degrees. On her first trip to Kaiser Permanente at Moanalua she was tested for COVID-19 and got the results back five days later. Her respiratory results were normal, but while she waited for her test results, she started experiencing shortness of breath. “I just remember that day being at home and being scared and not being able to breathe. I thought, I have to call 911,” Bolles said. She said AMR responded very quickly and she was back at the hospital within ten minutes, where she had another coronavirus test. “It was a surreal time for me because I thought, I’ll never get to see my family again. They’re going to sedate me; they’re going to put me in a coma. It happened so fast.” Fast forward three-weeks, the amount of time she spent in a medically induced coma. When she woke up, she said she was in a complete state of shock. Altogether she spent about a month and a half in the hospital. Sarah is 34 years old, the single mother of a 13-year-old daughter, Mia. She does have some underlying medical issues but is not in the most-vulnerable age group. She commented, “When I first got sick, I wasn’t thinking COVID-19. I’d heard about the virus and that it was going around. Now, when you actually experience this disease yourself or know someone who has it, you realize just how severe it is.” She implores everyone to wear masks and to physically distance. “Just think about the lives that you are saving when you are thinking about others and not just yourself,” she said. Bolles fully supports previous and current emergency rules and restrictions as necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19 as quickly and effectively as possible. She commented, “We need to keep our hospital beds available for those who have other urgent health issues.” Since being home, she’s had the opportunity to talk to her daughter about the disease and encourages all parents who have children and teens to do so. “They need to realize this not only effects the elderly or vulnerable but can strike any of us down at any time.” She credits the excellent medical care she received, her faith, and her family for getting her through what she believes was a near-death experience. Asked about her long-term health, recovery and plans, she said, “I have several friends who’ve contracted the virus. I had underlying issues and not all of them do. I have one friend who will need a breathing machine for two years. I need to keeping working on my breathing exercises as I know my lungs are scared. But beyond the physical ramifications of having had coronavirus, the emotional toll is longer-lasting. The isolation, the loss of employment and the limited mobility seems worse than the physical impacts.” It’s a double whammy and by telling her story this young survivor hopes everyone in Hawai‘i takes seriously the need for safe practices and the temporary restrictions and inconveniences necessary to bring COVID-19 to its heels.

  • Mandatory Travel Declaration Form now available online

    The Mandatory Travel Declaration Form for Maui County and other transportation-related information is now available on the County of Maui’s website at www.MauiCounty.gov. All interisland travelers arriving in Maui County will be required to complete the County’s travel form starting tomorrow, Aug. 11, due to the Governor’s reinstitution of the mandatory 14-day interisland travel quarantine. Personnel will be available at airports and harbors to assist travelers in completing the forms and answering questions on Maui, Molokai and Lanai. “It is going to take time to work out all of the kinks and procedures for this new interisland travel system, so we’re asking for everyone’s patience and help to make this a success,” Mayor Michael Victorino said. “We continue to discourage any non-essential travel at this time, but if you do need to travel, make sure to visit the County of Maui’s website to complete all the necessary forms. This will help with the speed and efficiency of our airports and harbors.” Interisland travelers are encouraged to complete the online Mandatory Travel Declaration Form, when arriving at the following: • Kahului Airport Main Terminal • Lanai Airport • Molokai Airport Interisland travelers must print and complete a paper form, when arriving at the following: • Kahului Airport Commuter Terminal • Kahului Airport Private Jet • Lahaina and Manele Small Boat Harbors • Kapalua Airport All interisland travelers seeking a modified travel quarantine due to essential work or medical reasons must: • Complete the Mandatory Travel Declaration Form and • Complete the Request for Limited Quarantine Form o If you previously submitted a limited quarantine request by email, you do not need to resubmit through the new form. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are a Maui County resident traveling to another Neighbor Island County, such as Kauai County, then you must request an exemption from the County you are visiting (No quarantine is required for travel to Oahu). Residents would need to request a separate exemption from the County of Maui for their return trip home. If traveling for medical reasons, you may request a limited quarantine exemption if you work in a “critical infrastructure” sector to return to work in Maui County. The Request for Limited Quarantine Form is available on the County of Maui’s website and should be completed at least five (5) days prior to the requestor’s departure. Travel exemptions only allow travelers to conduct their essential function as well as travel to and from their essential functions. For example, a worker would only be allowed to leave their place of lodging for essential work purposes. All transpacific travelers should complete the State of Hawaii Traveler Health Form prior to boarding at https://health.hawaii.gov/travel/. All transpacific travelers seeking a modified travel quarantine should email requests to the State at covidexemption@hawaii.gov. For more information on COVID-19 in Maui County, visit www.MauiCounty.gov.

  • Lāna‘i White Goods, Metals and E-Waste Collection Event

    The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management announces a Lāna‘i White Goods, Metals and E-Waste Collection Event for Lanai residents at the Pulama Lanai Fleet Yard from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2020. Residents may drop off their items at this one-day event. Items accepted are refrigerators, freezers, stoves, washers, dryers, microwave ovens, water heaters, air-conditioning units, tires, batteries, household appliances, propane tanks, scrap metal, TVs, computers, printers, copiers and monitors. Commercial accounts will be assessed the following fees: $350 per load of recyclables, $10 per passenger tire and $25 per commercial tire. Due to COVID-19 conditions, residents should be prepared to unload their own items. Staff will be available to assist with large items that require a forklift. For more information, call Refrigerant Recycling Inc. at (808) 351-3504. For information about electronics recycling, call the County E-cycling hotline at (808) 280-6460. For other information about this event, call the County Abandoned Vehicles and Metals Office at (808) 270-8217.

  • Hawai'i COVID-19 Joint Information Center's Daily News Digest for August 10, 2020

    Department of Health: Three More Deaths Reported and 140 New Cases of COVID-19 DOH is reporting the 12th straight day of triple digit newly diagnosed coronavirus cases, with 140 today. All but two (2) of the new cases are on O‘ahu, with one each on Maui and Kaua‘i. The department also reports the 32nd, 33rd and 34th COVID-19 deaths. One is an elderly O‘ahu female, and the two others are elderly O‘ahu men, one who had underlying health conditions. The deaths continue to be under investigation. Health Director Bruce Anderson joins all of Hawai‘i in expressing sympathies to the victim’s family and friends. Please note that one death, removed from the counts last week, involved a patient at the Pearl City Nursing Home. There have been no deaths in Hawai‘i nursing homes to date. For more tables, charts and visualizations visit the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division: https://health.hawaii.gov/coronavirusdisease2019/what-you-should-know/current-situation-in-hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources: All Forest Trails Now Closed On O‘ahu Due To Covid-19 Concerns With 12 straight days of triple-digit new positive COVID-19 cases in Hawai‘i and the majority of them on O‘ahu, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is closing all State forest land trails effective immediately. This includes all trails in the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program. The request to add trails to the list of already closed county and state parks and beaches was made by the City and County of Honolulu. DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “While we know how disappointing this is to many people, we all must accept these temporary inconveniences until the coronavirus surge is no longer an issue, for the safety and health of everyone in Hawai‘i.” Department of Public Safety: PSD COVID-19 Update Two more O‘ahu Community Correctional Center (OCCC) adult corrections officers (ACOs) and three OCCC inmates tested positive for COVID-19. The latest tests were announced Sunday. It brings the total number of ACOs at OCCC with positive test results to three and inmates to six. As with the other cases, contact tracing is pending with DOH. The facilities have longstanding outbreak management plans in place to quickly identify, isolate and treat communicable diseases. As part of the implementation of PSD’S COVID-19 pandemic plan for correctional facilities and with the concurrence of the Judiciary, all transports to court from all O‘ahu facilities are suspended for tomorrow. PSD will be in constant contact with the Judiciary going forward to assure the safety of all staff and inmates involved. PSD will continue to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19 and make additional operational and preventative decisions as the situation evolves. For more information on PSD’s planning and response to COVID-19, inmate testing data, and information detailing the efforts made to safeguard the inmates, staff and public, visit: http://dps.hawaii.gov/blog/2020/03/17/coronavirus-covid-19-information-and-resources/ Hawai‘i Tourism Authority: 2,563 Passengers Arrive on Sunday Yesterday, a total of 2,563 people arrived in Hawai‘i including 589 visitors and 875 returning residents. There was a total of 33 arriving flights. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday but does not show interisland travel. Monday https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/5038/081020-passenger-count-press-release.pdf Sunday https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/5037/080920-passenger-count-press-release.pdf Saturday https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/5035/080820-passenger-count-press-release.pdf Hawai‘i COVID-19 Joint Information Center: County-by-County Violation Reporting Options O‘ahu - 723-3900 or hpdcovidenforce@honolulu.gov Maui - MPDquarantine@mpd.net Hawai‘i - 935-0031 Kaua‘i - 241-1800 or covidrequests@kauai.gov

  • County of Hawai‘i Interisland Quarantine Guidance

    Effective Tuesday, August 11, 2020, all travelers arriving in the County of Hawai‘i must follow Governor David Ige’s Eleventh Proclamation related to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for travelers to Kaua’i, Hawai‘i, and Maui. The period of self-quarantine shall begin from the date of entry onto the Island, and shall last 14 days or the duration of the person’s stay, whichever is shorter. Persons traveling for a same-day medical appointment or those traveling to Hawai‘i County to perform critical infrastructure functions, as identified in Exhibit B of the Governor’s Tenth Emergency Proclamation Related to the COVID-19 Emergency, must complete the required travel forms to request modification or exemption from the quarantine requirements. The forms can be found on the County of Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 Resources website at www.hawaiicounty.gov ; click on the COVID-19 banner link here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/0111d64c4fd24244a4c9230f057a8e4b . These travel forms must be filled out at least five (5) days prior to scheduled arrival date. At this point in time, there will be no other travel exemptions. Examples of requests that do not qualify for exemption: Travel to visit family or friends Funeral services Personal tasks, such as work on a property “Our County team worked during the weekend to make sure Hawai‘i County is prepared for Tuesday’s interisland travel quarantine,” Mayor Harry Kim said. “I am asking every person traveling in or out of Hawai‘i County to avoid non-essential travel at this time. This is a very crucial moment in our efforts to stop the spread of this virus and we all need to do our part.”

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