Updated: 5/9/2020, 12:09 p.m.
Hawaii reported three new cases of the coronavirus today, erasing hopes that yesterday's zero cases would prove a trend.
The state health department reported that the count is now at 631 and the death roll stands at 17. Oahu cases are at 407, Maui County at 117, Hawaii Island at 75 and Kauai County at 21. There are 11 cases diagnosed out of state.
Yesterday, after there were no new cases reported for the day, state Epidemiologist Sarah Park cautioned that the reopening underway will mean more COVID-19 cases.
“We have seen a steady decline in new cases over the past several weeks. Although today we’re at zero, we want to maintain these declines. As businesses reopen, as people become more active and travel more freely, we will inevitably see an increase in cases," she said in a news release.
Park said of particular concern are Hawaii residents who travel to Mainland COVID-19 hotspots, return to the islands and can spread the virus.
"This risk is not just posed by visitors. Residents can actually pose a greater risk by unknowingly infecting others," Park said. She said this is why it is important that all travelers arriving in the islands observe the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
The governor and county mayors have begun to allow low-risk businesses and activities to resume, lifting stay-at-home orders that took effect in March.
Residents are still urged to take precautions, wear cloth masks when they are out and about, practice social distancing and return home when they are done with their business.
Maui retailer, malls free to open Monday under guidelines
Maui County retailers and shopping malls can open Monday but only under required social distancing and safety measures.
“Retail stores that are opening on Monday should follow the operational guidelines listed in the Governor’s proclamation and our emergency rules,” Mayor Michael Victorino said in a news release. “All businesses should also refer to operational guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hawaii Department of Health and other governmental agencies.”
Some of the requirements include:
• Thorough cleaning and sanitation practices.
• Physical distances of 6 feet or more.
• Capacity limits.
• Appointment-only services encouraged.
• Delivery and pickups encouraged.
• Face coverings to be worn by all employees and customers.
• No person-to-person contact.
• Workers who have COVID-19 symptoms should be sent home.
The mayor also said shopping malls cannot open food court dining areas except for delivery or takeout servics. Play areas, entertainment areas, arcades, game rooms and theaters must remain closed. Beauty, hair and nail salons cannot open. Common areas, except to enter and leave retail businesses, also must remain closed.
Gov. David Ige allowed the counties starting May 7 to reopen certain low-risk businesses as the number of new coronavirus cases have declined.
The Hawaii Island and Kauai mayors decided retailers could restart their businesses. But Maui delayed the reopening for stores and malls to give retailers more time to call back workers and prepare for the lifting of shopping restrictions.
Oahu retailers won't be permitted to reopen until May 15.
COVID-19 and antibody tests scheduled today
State lawmakers are sponsoring testing for the coronavirus today in Kalihi but the tests are not free. Those being screened must bring their insurance cards.
The tests for community members, caregivers and care home patients begin at 10 a.m. at the Hawai‘i Cedar Church, 1545 Kamehameha IV Road.
State Rep. John Mizuno, chair of the House health committee, said both the nasal COVID-19 tests to detect active cases and the antibody tests to see if someone has been exposed to the virus will be offered.
“I understand Mother's Day is this Sunday and everyone wants to get out of the house and go to the beach, shop, or socialize, but I think it is prudent to remain vigilant wearing our masks and social distancing because a spike in COVID-19 cases will take us two steps back," Mizuno said in a press release. "Also, many of our moms are elderly and thus more prone to adverse health risks if they contract the coronavirus.”
Mizuno is sponsoring the tests with state Rep. Rida Cabanilla, who said the event will focus on community caregivers, care homes, and nursing homes, including staff, patients, and family members who provide care.
Hawaii ranks among top states for testing
The state Health Department, which has been under fire for failing to support broader coronavirus testing, pointed to Hawaii's high ranking in a Harvard Global Health Institute study of states and the amount of diagnostic testing they are conducting.
The study, covered in an NPR story, lists Hawaii among nine states that have met or exceeded Harvard's minimums for testing. The Harvard study rates Hawaii's first pandemic wave as mild and testing above the minimum level needed by May 15.
While state health officials often cite Hawaii's high per capita rate of testing, it is only made possible because of private testing, including drive-throughs conducted statewide, and not because of state support for broader testing. State tests have been limited by health officials who said they needed to conserve testing kits and protective gear.
Fishing industry getting CARES Act relief but it falls short of need
Hawaii fishing operations hard hit by the pandemic will be able to apply for $4.3 million in federal coronavirus relief funding.
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources, is developing a spending plan that needs approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
“Unfortunately, it will only cover a fraction of the economic losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, so we continue to encourage residents to support our local fishers and seafood producers as much as possible,” said DAR Administrator Brian Neilson.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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