Updated: 4/24/2020, 12:06 p.m.
Two more coronavirus-related deaths bring the total for the state to 14 today. The state case count grew to 601, with 5 new ones, according the state Department of Health's latest update.
One of the deaths is an Oahu man, over 65, who had been hospitalized since early April. He had underlying medical conditions and had traveled to Las Vegas in March. The second is also an Oahu man, over 65, who was recently hospitalized and also had medical conditions.
His infection was the result of community spread, the department said.
The Oahu case count is now 392, Maui County 113, Hawaii Island 69, and Kauai 21. No cases are pending determination of county and six were diagnosed out of state.
City weighs next steps in phased reopening
Golf courses and car dealerships may be the first Oahu businesses to open, possibly as early as May 1, so long as certain conditions are met, according to Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. He provided more details yesterday on his phased plan to reopen the city.
Caldwell said factors like COVID-19 test results and contact tracing will go into the city’s decisions to slowly lift its stay-at-home order.
The mayor said the administration plans to weigh the risks before allowing certain activities to restart and reopening select businesses.
"We’re looking at golf courses, with limitations, car dealerships, with appointment-only basis and no test driving," the mayor said. Automated car washes and gravesite visitations are other types of businesses and activities that the city may allow beginning next month.
"But before we make the final decision, we’re taking these recommendations to our medical advisory panel, to get their input. And with the input they provide, perhaps we can add additional conditions to make sure that everyone is protected as we go forward."
Yesterday's headlines: City, State Disagree Over Tests; House OKs More Small Business Funds
The city earlier announced that its parks will be opening tomorrow for exercise, including walking, jogging and bicycling. Basketball courts, playgrounds, Hanauma Bay and no-leash dog parks will remain closed, the mayor said.
--HPR's Casey Harlow
Screenings scheduled for ‘Ewa Beach, Kahuku, Waimanalo
The city is supporting several drive-through screenings for COVID-19 on Oahu.
Kalihi Kai Urgent Care is sponsoring one in ‘Ewa Beach:
• Today, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., ‘Ewa Mahiko District Park. Queue up on Kapolei Parkway at the corner of Renton Road facing mauka where a screening station will be located. For information, call Kalihi Kai Urgent Care at 808-841-2273.
The Premier Medical Group is holding the following two drive-through events:
• Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Kahuku Medical Center rear parking lot, 56-117 Pualalea St.
• Sunday, April 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Waimanalo District Park. Access the park from Hihimanu Street, then turn right into the parking area.
Those who attend will first be screened for symptoms and asked for personal information and contact numbers so that they can be informed of results. For more information, call the Premier Medical Group Hawaii at 808-304-8816 or 808-367-6020.
Central Maui food distribution scheduled today
Bags of food will be distributed to those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis today starting at 10 a.m. at the War Memorial Gymnasium parking lot, 700 Halia Nakoa St., Maui County announced.
Three hundred bags will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Mayor Michael Victorino said the food is intended for residents who are struggling due to job losses and financial hardship.
Access the gym parking lot by making a right turn from Kanaloa Avenue to Halia Nakoa Street. A left turn onto Halia Nakoa is not allowed.
Hawaii Island creates call center, guide to services during pandemic
A guide to County of Hawaii services during the coronavirus outbreak is available to residents and a new call center to help answer questions goes live today.
"A Guide for Our Community" includes information on financial assistance, food aid, medical help, senior services, and other resources. The county said in a news release that the guide is being distributed islandwide or can be downloaded.
The call center will be staffed by county workers Monday to Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at 961-8665.
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 developments in dealing with the spread of the coronavirus. You can call our talkback line at 808-792-8217. Or e-mail us at talkback@hawaiipublicradio.org.
