Big Island Coronavirus Updates

During the Hawai’i County Council meeting Wednesday, all council members co-introduced a resolution urging President Donald Trump to issue a ban on all non-essential travel to the Big Island until April 30.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Wednesday said heads should roll at the top of Hawai‘i Department of Health. 

Public contact-testing will now be a regular part of Hawai‘i’s approach to curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor tapped longtime business leader Alan Oshima to head an initiative dubbed the Hawaiʻi Economic and Community Recovery & Resiliency Plan.

Across the country, local and regional news outlets have furloughed or laid off staff. Some newspapers have also made cuts or stopped print editions.

Citations have been issued on the Big Island, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.

A total of 42 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. DOH said that 113 people have been released from isolation and are considered recovered. 

The majority of individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 on the Big Island have been cleared by the Hawaii State Department of Health.

The resolution notes the governor’s authority under Chapter 127A of Hawai‘i Revised Statutes to suspend certain laws during a state of emergency.

At least one prisoner released from Hawai‘i Community Correctional Center as part of an effort to reduce the jail population during the COVID-19 pandemic has reoffended.

Now standing at 410 coronavirus infections statewide, O‘ahu has suffered the brunt of the pandemic.

Travel quarantines and stay-at-home orders remain in effect through April 30. Violation of these directives may result in a $5,000 penalty and up to one year in jail. 

The website features resources for providers who work with mental health and homeless populations.

County law enforcement officials have said no prisoner convicted of domestic violence, sexual assault, burglary or robbery will be released from custody. 

Businesses can qualify for media support that ranges from 25% to 100%.

The news about fewer reported cases came alongside an update from Lt. Gov. Josh Green that coronavirus-related hospitalizations statewide are at 56. DOH’s daily update indicated that the number was only 26. 

A total of 26 people have been hospitalized statewide as a result of COVID-19 infection. To date, 89 people have been released from isolation and are considered recovered. 

According to DOH, the individual was an older male resident with underlying health conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended people avoid grocery stores and pharmacies as much as possible over the next two weeks, as the virus is expected to surge toward its peak nationally during that time. 

Hundreds of potential patients across Hawai‘i are asking how they can become certified to purchase medicinal marijuana while the state rests under the cloud of the coronavirus pandemic. The answer is — they can’t.