By Alfred Acenas
EBC Hawaii Bureau, Eagle News Service
HONOLULU, Hawaii (Eagle News) – Governor David Ige signed on Saturday, April 25, a sixth supplementary emergency proclamation extending the stay-at-home order across the Aloha State through May 31.
“This was not an easy decision. I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-isolation and we want to return to normal,” said Governor Ige. “But this virus is potentially deadly, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Thanks to our residents, we are flattening the curve, saving lives, and avoiding a resurgence of this virus by not reopening prematurely.”
The stay-at-home order means residents may leave their homes only for various essential needs, including healthcare, purchasing food, medicine, gasoline, taking care of the elderly, minors, or those with disabilities, returning to a place of residence outside of Hawaii, picking up educational materials for distance learning, receiving meals or other related services. Outdoor exercise is also permitted, including swimming, surfing and walking pets. In addition, running, jogging, or walking on the beach will be permitted, as long as social distancing requirements are observed.
Also extended through the end of May is the 14-day quarantine for both visitors and residents entering the state and for inter-island travelers. Social distancing requirements remain in place across the state through the end of May as well.
Governor Ige declared an emergency proclamation on March 4 to allow the State to work quickly and efficiently to prevent, contain, and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19); and to provide disaster relief if necessary. Subsequent supplementary proclamations were the following:
– March 16: Suspend certain laws to enable state and county to respond to COVID-19 outbreaks.
– March 21: Implement a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for visitors and residents entering the State of Hawaii.
– March 23: Implement social distancing measures throughout the state.
– March 31: Implement a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for people traveling between the Hawaiian islands.
– April 16: Implement enhanced social distancing requirements and prevent dwellers who cannot pay rent due to job loss/furlough from being evicted.
As of this report, Hawaii has 604 confirmed cases, of which 482 (about 80% of the cases) have since recovered or released from isolation. Fourteen people have died from the disease. The state has had only single-digit increases since April 16.
(Eagle News Service)