Hawai‘i Has Its Highest Single-Day Case Increase and President Trump Approves a Major Disaster Declaration for the Islands
Your daily update of everything you need to know related to COVID-19 on April 1.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE STATE OF HAWAI‘I
The number of people in Hawai‘i with COVID-19 hits 258. Of the new 34 cases (the largest daily increase to date), one is a minor and 33 are adults. Twenty-five of the cases were diagnosed on O‘ahu, three on the Big Island, one on Maui and five are still pending investigation. More than 10,000 tests from Hawai‘i have been conducted by private labs, making Hawai‘i one of the top three states in the country when it comes to testing per capita.
Today, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Hawai‘i. This gives the state access to federal emergency aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts. It also makes federal funding available to the state, eligible local governments and private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures.
Mayors Kirk Caldwell, Derek Kawakami and Mike Victorino sent a letter to President Trump today requesting that all nonessential travel to Hawai‘i be halted until April 30. Essential employees, including those in public health, financial service and food supply would be exempt.
Gov. David Ige’s 14-day quarantine for interisland travelers went into effect today. All interisland travelers will now need to fill out an interisland declaration form to be submitted before going through a TSA checkpoint pre-departure. Passengers can fill out the form prior to going to the airport and bring it with them. The form is available at hidot.hawaii.gov.
The Cares Act’s new $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program launches this week. It will provide capital to businesses without collateral requirements, personal guarantees or SBA fees. The first payment will be deferred for six months and the SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds used to cover the first eight weeks of payroll costs, rent, utilities and mortgage interests. Small businesses and sole proprietors can apply starting this Friday, April 3. Independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply starting April 10. Visit sba.gov for a loan application.
A new quarantine and isolation facility for homeless was set up today on Ka‘aahi Street in Iwilei. The medical facility will serve homeless people who are symptomatic, awaiting test results or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Starting today, TheBus will operate on a state holiday schedule Monday through Friday. Regular Saturday and Sunday service will continue. There will be no changes to TheHandi-Van services.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell ordered all private sports clubs on O‘ahu are to close effective today at 4:30 p.m. This includes private golf courses and tennis courts.
