Updated: May 24, 2020, 12:10 p.m.
Where we stand
Hawaii recorded no new coronavirus case today, continuing the trend in recent days of zero or few additional cases, spurring moves to reopen the economy.
The state health department now reports the number of recorded cases at 643; deaths stand at 17. The case count for Oahu is at 414, Maui County at 118, Hawaii Island at 81 and Kauai at 20. There are 10 cases diagnosed out of state. Some 591 people have been released from isolation.
Memorial Day beach goers rescued
City ocean safety staff rescued 57 people yesterday as the Memorial Day weekend draws crowds to the now reopened beaches.
Another 6,000 preventative actions were taken, the Ocean Safety Division said in an email statement.
" A reminder Ocean Safety will continue to be there, but please enjoy the beach safely, it’s a long weekend. Know your limits and the changing ocean conditions and make sure you have the proper equipment before heading into the surf," the division said.
Macy's reopens, including for in-store shopping
Macy’s Inc. has reopened 11 department store locations in Hawaii with new safety guidelines after temporary closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The New York-based company made the announcement Friday saying stores statewide will reopen for in-store shopping, curbside delivery and in-store pickup services ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
The company says it will implement social distancing, install plexiglass at registers and equip employees with facial coverings to wear while working. The retailer closed outlets nationwide in March to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The company has since reopened about 190 locations nationwide.
--Associated Press
Hawaii Island to open churches, hair salons on June 1
Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim says the Big Island will allow places of worship, restaurants, hair salons, barber shops and a variety of personal-service businesses to reopen starting June 1.
Kim says in his order that the establishments have to follow guidelines on sanitation and social distancing as outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Hawaii Health Department.
Yesterday's Hawaii Updates: 1 New Case; Double Digit Economic Decline Forecasted; Memorial Day Weekend Caution
Restaurants can resume in-dining services as long as they follow the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Restaurants and Bars and National Restaurant Association Guidelines. The other personal services that are allowed to reopen are tutoring, music lessons, massages, yoga and personal training.
--Associated Press
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Editor's note: We’d like to hear how you’re coping with the latest COVID-19 developments and the state's phased reopening. You can call our talkback line at 808-792-8217. Or e-mail us at talkback@hawaiipublicradio.org.
