State of Hawaii Department of Transportation March 2020 Newsletter

Dept. of Transportation Monthly Newsletter

Connecting the DOTs...

March 2020 0

Lots of Fun at the Great Aloha Run

By: Melanie Martin

HD HDOT employees, em friends fri and an family members m woke up w early ea on President’s P Day D for a great cause g r te sis r he & n and to a la no la AIR-AP’s Beulah O Great Aloha Run get g some e th sh ni Margaret fi exercise at e the t 36th Annual Great Aloha Run. Run

proudly wore at the Great Aloha Run. Additionally, a big MAHALO to Darryll Akamine, Graphic Artist with the Airports Division who designed the logo for the dri-fit shirts. His design was selected amongst many other awesome entries in the design contest, but Darryll did not accept any prize.

Thank you Darryll for sharing your artistic talent with the rest of the HDOT Ohana.

If you are interested in purchasing the wellness dri-fit shirt, please contact Melanie Martin at melanie.martin@hawaii.gov, or see attached pre-order form.

HDOT was inducted into the prestigious Presidents’ 100 Club because we registered nearly 75 participants.

For some of us, the 8.15 miles was a piece of cake, but for others, it was a little more of a challenge.

Yet we all had a great time running or walking together to help more than 50 charitable organizations and the military.

Special shout out goes to Director Jade Butay, Deputy Director Lynn Araki-Regan and the Martin Ohana for sponsoring the HDOT Wellness dri-fit shirts that each participant

AIR-EG G’s ’s Darryll Akamine sh ows off the ne ew GAR dri-fit shirt log o.

CONNECTING THE DOTs Editor-in-Chief: Lynn Araki-Regan Art Director: Frank Uratani Managing Editor: Rae Nguyen Column Writers: Rey Domingo Melanie Martin

Contributors: Cynthia Afuso Maaza Christos Juli Chun Micah Coate Gabriel M. Delapenia John “J.D.” DeJesus Ty Fukuroku Brian Kamimoto Jonathan Kua Gene Matsushige Beulah Olanolan Rachel Rooper Candice Shintani Scot Urada Katrina Valcourt

Contents

Fun at the Great Aloha Run ........ 1 DOT Living Healthy and Happy . 2 Deputy Director Message ............ 3 Happy Retirement Betty Ohigashi and Donna Jinbo ............................. 4 Welcome to the DOT ‘Ohana ..... 5 Airports ............................................... 6 Harbors ............................................... 8 Highways ......................................... 10 Candidate Ghosting .................... 14

DOT Living Healthy and Happy By: Melanie Martin DOT is taking steps to live healthy and happy lives.

AIR and OCR participated in walking groups.

Blue Zones had cooking demos, offering ono healthy soups.

The Wellness Committee posed in Blue Zones shirts.

PAGE 2

9 Things You Didn’t Know About Prince Kuhio ................................... 15

Message from our Director By: Jade Butay Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been impacted d by the virus. Like all of you, I am monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak in China and its spread across the world. So far, we have two presumptive positive cases in Hawaii. Public health situations like the one presented by COVID-19 are unpredictable e and constantly changing. Stay informed and take care of yourself. I am especially grateful for all of our HDOT employeess who work hard during these stressful times. Special thanks to our HDOT employees who are working hard to educate and communicate with our employees and the traveling public, to sanitize our airports amid growing concerns, and to review and update our emergency response and business continuity plans.

You are truly humble heroes that seldom receive the credit you deserve.

As you, our employees, are HDOT’s #1 asset, I ask for everyone’s cooperation to continue to exercise extra level of care and safety in our workplaces. Maintaining a clean and safe working environment is of the utmost importance so I ask that everyone help do their part to ensure all areas of our workplace are as clean and as possible. l d sanitary it ibl If additional resources are needed to assist with this effort, please let us know.

All the best as we work to safeguard and care for our HDOT ‘Ohana, families, and community, JADE BUTAY Director

PAGE 3

Happy Retirement Betty Ohigashi!

By: Cynthia Afuso Current and former DOT employees gathered to wish Betty Ohigashi a happy retirement.

O After 36 years of state service, she is looking forward to spending A more time with her granddaughter. m Congratulations! We wish you the very best with your retirement.

C May all the years ahead bring you joy and relaxation. You deserve M it! it

Congratulations on Your Retirement Donna Jinbo!

In a recent conversation with Donna Jinbo on her upcoming retirement after 34 years, she walked down memory lane of over three decades as an employee at the airport.

From mag-card typewriters to Wang computers and on to our current computers; typing on carbon copy Form 5’s to electronic computer printed EPARs; from a fenced in open parking lot to a multi-level parking deck and an added on Hawaiian Air terminal in 1994, with its own parking decks, many changes have happened during her tenure.

As she embarks on retirement and the next segment of her life journey, we congratulate her and wish her well.

PAGE 4

By: Beulah Olanolan

Welcome to the DOT ‘Ohana Alan and Darren!

Officer position last month.

Alan Hilton has recently joined our DOT administrative staff in the position of Business Management Officer.

He comes to us with over 27 years of work experience in a wide range of federal and state government positions, with more than half of that time spent here on Oahu.

He worked as an active duty officer in the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and was with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) as Technical Director.

Alan worked at Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH), to serve as Superintendent and Program Operations Coordinator for the UH Marine Center (UHMC) shore facility in Honolulu Harbor.

He was then offered the Business Management My name is Darren Cantrill and I moved to Hawaii in 2009 with my wife, Jeni and son Nathan. He’s a junior at Roosevelt High.

Darren Cantrill is ADMIN-CSS’s new Informational Technology Manager.

Technical Sales Engineer.

I worked for a company called Integrated Security Technologies (IST) where I was the Operations Manager and

I transitioned to HMSA in 2013 where I was the Operations and Testing Manager until I moved

In his free time, Alan enjoys spending time with his wife and 12-year old son, working on home improvement projects, supporting Alan Hilton join s DOT as Busine ss Management O periodic events fficer. for a local chapter of the Marine Technology Society ety (MTS).

Alan is an avid scuba diver for nearly 30 years, finding any recreational opportunities that take him on, in, or under the waters surrounding our beautiful island state. over to the ServiceNow implementation team.

I have been involved with C&C Civil Defense (DEM – Department of Emergency) for 10 years where I was the Chief Coordinator. I am now DOT’s Information Technology Manager.

I have also been involved with Scouting for the last 10 years since my son was in 1st grade where I was the Den Leader and Cubmaster until he bridged over to Boy Scouts (now called Scouting).

I have been a Scoutmaster for a 66 boy Troop for the last 4 years and am an Assistant Scout Master for a 10-girl Troop.

I enjoy working with kids and as soon as my son earns his Eagle rank, I plan to volunteer at the Humane Society where I can clean up after animals instead of kids.

PAGE 5

Airports KOA ARFF Unite with Air Force Reserves for Patriot Palm Exercise By: Rae Nguyen Photos courtesy of Senior Airman Micah Coate

The Air Force’s 452nd Contingency Response Squadron team up with KOA’s ARFF to participate in emergency readiness exercise last January.

Dubbed Patriot Palm, the yearly exercise included meetings, inspections and C-17 touch and goes at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.

“Patriot Palm is designed to test the ability of the Air Force Reserve Contingency forces to respond in rapid fashion to humanitarian and/or natural disasters,” explained Senior Master Sgt. Chris Alcala.

In coordination with the FAA tower, military and ARFF vehicles were shuttled into two C-17 cargo planes at Bravo South of KOA’s single runway.

Two other teams had also conducted their exercise at the same time at different locations including Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay and John Rodgers Airport. Locations differ each year.

KOA was happy to accommodate and look forward to hosting in the coming years.

PAGE 6

Airports OGG Firefighter Dane Walin Recognized for Honesty By: Brian Kamimoto Recently graduated Airport Firefighter Dane Walin was “just doing the right thing.”

it,” said Walin.

“My mother and father instilled in me good values. I thought it could’ve been someone who really needed the money and I was happy to do

Luckily for Dave Kannewurf, Walin did the right thing.

Kannewurf had just lost $300 cash at a bank parking lot. Walin - believing that whoever lost it would eventually return to the bank to look for the money - waited for that someone to return.

It didn’t take more than 30 minutes before Kannewurf returned to the bank and inquired if

anyone had returned any money.

After answering a few questions, Kannewurf was soon reunited with his lost money.

Kannewurf was so impressed with Walin’s honesty that he called Maui District Fire Chief Scott Pires to express his gratitude and thanks.

Walin, who is assigned to Red shift, was also chosen as the Most Outstanding Recruit – Functional Skills.

This award is given to those who demonstrated the most competency in their Functional Skills Assessments during the recruit training program.

Chief Pires reiterated ARFF’s CORE values statement. “We earn others trust by being truthful and direct in our interactions and by always doing what is right. Firefighter Walin is an excellent testament to this core value.”

Airports Awarded for Engineering Excellence By: Gene Matsushige Airports and Bowers and Kubota were recently awarded for Engineering Excellence from American Council of Engineering Companies for Roadway Improvements and Consolidated Car Rental Facilty.

This project was finished on time and on budget due to the hard-working men and women from various contractors.

That included Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Construction Management Company

including Bowers and Kubota Consulting, Designers, Demattei Wong Architecture, Maui District Staff and the support of the Airports Administration.

The project was completed on schedule in 30 months and on budget at $340 million.

PAGE 7

Harbors Harbors Learn CPR and Other Life-Saving Techniques By: Juli Chun Harbors held two hands-on First Aid/CPR/AED certification training sessions February 20 & 25 in our new multipurpose room.

Through this program, participants learned how to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies.

The program also taught the skills needed to give immediate care to a suddenly injured or ill person until advanced medical personnel arrive and take over.

head, neck and spinal injuries.

• Recognize the signals of a cardiac emergency.

• Identify the links in the Cardiac Chain of Survival.

• How to care for a heart h t attack. tt k • The role of o CPR in cardiac c arrest. a • How to perform

Some of the things they learned and skills they acquired were: • Identify the signals of common sudden illnesses.

• How to care for someone who is having a seizure.

• Identify the signals of and how to care for heat-related illnesses and cold-related emergencies.

• Identify signals of and how to care for various soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries.

• How to control external bleeding.

• Identify signals of and explain how to care for

New Faces at Harbors

The Harbors Division would like to welcome Cindy Nakamura as one of our newest Harbor Traffic Controllers and Steve Compton in the Enforcement Unit, 3rd watch.

Cindy was born and raised in Honolulu and comes from the private sector with experience

CPR. • How to care for a person who is choking.

• What defibrillation is and how it works.

• Identify precautions to take when using an AED on a person in sudden cardiac arrest.

• How to use an AED.

This training is critical for emergencies and we will continue to train the rest of the Harbors Division that is required to learn this important skill.

in communication and public relations.

She brings a wealth of knowledge and charisma to the office.

See NEW FACES on page 10

PAGE 8

Harbors Harbors is Getting Fit & Healthy!

By: Juli Chun We are excited to have our very own Yoga & Pranayama Class led by Sandra Rossetter, a Planner here at Harbors.

She is teaching us the importance of breath and its link to the function of the nervous system. gathering ering each week to relax, stretch and refocus our energy.

We meet once a week to restore our focus, invigorate our mind and body AND reduce stress.

After each valuable session, we go back to our offices and feel refreshed and alert.

Everyone who participates looks forward to

Join Troy Barborza Law Enforcement Torch Run

By: Sgt. John “J.D.” DeJesus

Please show support for the Hawaii’s Special Olympics and our Hawaii Law Enforcement agencies as we (Harbor Police) are proud to participate in this year’s 2020 Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run set on Friday, May 29, 2020. Officer Troy Barboza was an undercover HPD officer who was shot and killed by a drug suspect he had previously arrested.

We (Harbor Police) would like everyone from DOT to show your support for this wonderful opportunity to give back to our boys and girls of Special Olympics Hawaii and honor the memory of Officer Troy Barboza. For those who are interested in participating, want to purchase a shirt, or donate to Special Olympics Hawaii, please send an email to Sgt. John S. “J.D.” DeJesus (john.s.dejesus@hawaii.gov). Please include your shirt size, if you are attending the event and contact information.

WHO: Law Enforcement Community WHAT: Run/Walk to raise awareness and resources for Special Olympics athletes WHEN: Friday, May 29, 2020 Run 3.2 miles starting @ 7:15 p.m.

Walk 1 mile starting @ 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Fort DeRussy’s Kuroda Field to University at Hawaii Manoa Les Murakami Stadium FEE: $30 - Cool Dri short sleeve shirt $35 - Cool Dri long sleeve shirt PRE-PAID ORDER DEADLINE: April 3 *Additional fees for 2XL-3XL Cool Dri youth sizes and adult cotton styles available.

FREE! Papa John’s pizza and refreshments at the stadium

PAGE 9

Highways Looking for Technology Test Drive Volunteers By: Scot Urada We are excited to share the successful full-scale launch of the Manual Demonstration of the Hawaii Road Usage Charge Demonstration (HiRUC) project.

of this project, the Technology Test Drive starting in March 2020!

In this phase, we are looking for 2,000 volunteers on different

islands.

Volunteers will get to choose one of three mileage reporting options to test and submit mileage readings on a more frequent basis using more automated technologies.

As of November 2019, we have started mailing Driving Reports that show customized information about how much a vehicle owner paid in gas taxes over the past year vs. how much they might pay in a RUC based on the vehicle they own, using odometer readings taken during the annual Safety Check.

This is your chance in getting first-hand experience in how a road usage charge could work using different methods, and for you to share your experience with us.

These Driving Reports are just for informational purposes and they are not bills.

If you received these Driving Reports in the mail, we encourage you to fill out the survey so that we can hear how you feel about a Road Usage Charge.

We are also gearing up to start the second part

If you are interested, or if any of your family or friends would like to give this a try, we invite everyone to take a look at this webpage and sign up at https://hiruc.org/volunteer/.

Or alternatively, you can give the project team a call at (808) 300-3527.

NEW HIRES continued from page 8

Steve Compton’s first day was Wednesday, Feb. 19th as a Harbor Enforcement Officer II (Harbor Police, Enforcement Unit). Steven comes to us experienced in the public safety and probation enforcement field and is a graduate of the Honolulu Police Training Academy (Ke Kula Maka’i). I believe he will be an excellent addition to our unit and the Harbors Division.

PAGE 10

Highways The ‘Ohana that eats Together Stays Together: Celebrating Birthdays in HWY-AP!

By: Maaza Christos

I am blessed to have an amazingly wonderful workplace ‘ohana that celebrate each other’s successes and encourage one another when hardships come along.

In fact, practically zero.

But in college, I learned that even zero over zero has a rule.

(I am not kidding! Look it up in calculus limit theory!)

Plus, there’s some hope for me that I become the youngest instead of the oldest in my section.

It was my birthday this month and I told my colleagues that my birthday is on February 29, on a leap year, so I would be much younger than I am (every four years, I age up).

Well, I don’t have to worry too much about that since I am blessed to have an ‘ohana that reminds me I’m a valuable team member regardless of my age.

This is purely fictitious, since I was born in Ethiopia and the Ethiopian calendar has leap year in September.

They say, “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

Coincidentally, it’s Sept 11.

Check the picture of all the delicious goodies brought for my birthday!

To be fair, I chose February 28 instead of 29 and so many other complications come to the surface, since Ethiopia is 13 hours ahead of Hawaii and it is still 2012 there, not 2020.

All these make for an interesting story.

But I recently read that a 60-year old Dutch man insisted that he has a right to change his birthdate by 40 years as he was experiencing aging.

And I heard the Dutch court refused his request..

So, the prospect for getting my age to be “quadri-sectioned” even if I could prove that I was born on February 29, is very slim.

PAGE 11

Highways Lane Closure Processing Application is Now Public!

By: Maaza Mekuria HDOT is moving into a new phase of the Lane Closure application by going state-wide with a public-facing map.

processed through the ArcGIS online tool (named Survey123).

This new format allows HDOT’s operations to be more flexible, robust, resilient and presentable.

HDOT chose to develop an in-house application that integrated route network geometry and lane closure information including location, type of activity and duration to be presented through an online web and mobile enabled interface.

The vision was born out of Gina Belleau’s motto of entering data once and using it multiple times.

HDOT has been moving to data centric processes as it works to solve the problems that it encounters every single day of keeping the facilities, that move people, goods and services, in a safe, efficient and predictable way.

Beginning in February 1, 2020, all lane closures on the Island of Oahu are entered and

All the entries are mapped on an online dashboard, for approval by supervisors while an automated procedure checks for conflicts so that no two crews would show up at the same location at the same time.

Such spatial analytics makes the scheduling process more accessible to supervisors.

Last February, Kauai and Maui districts were trained by HDOT’s own trainers, Christopher de la Torre and Zero Wu and have already begun entering their closures into the online system as well.

The Big Island is scheduled for March.

The app stores the entries by field and office personnel and produces maps that are shared internally for operational decisions and with the public on mobile-friendly interface.

Check out the wonderful map created by Chris at http://arcg.is/1POSj1.

Many interactive apps have been developed by the HDOT HWY-AP team that it is hard to list them all.

Any questions about the app, email Chris de la Torre at Christopher.H.Delatorre@hawaii.gov or Zero Wu at Zero.Wu@hawaii.gov.

PAGE 12

Highways Teaching Our Keiki Storm Water Awareness By: Ty Fukuroku Students were first shown a presentation on the potential pollutants that exist and how they impact stormwater.

They were then able to interact with a “stormwater model” that simulates the way in which untreated stormwater is taken off our roads and highways and into our oceans and streams.

Together, this event educated students on the impacts that stormwater carrying pollutants may have on these invaluable resources.

On Friday, Feb. 7, the HDOT Maui Environmental Section visited Paia Elementary School to experience a hands-on education event about stormwater and the potential impacts related to our highways.

Split into four separate sessions, the event educated a total of 10 teachers and 173 students from grades 3 through 5.

Following the presentation, each student received a “Protect Our Water” pencil, tattoo, and luggage tag.

Our very own Daniel Garcia and Ernest Tabangcura as well as environmental consultants, David Henderson and Krisit Hall, led the school event.

Hawaii’s First Traffic Light By: Rachel Roper When: Installed in 1936 Where: At the intersection of Nuuanu Avenue and Beretania Street in Oahu Source: Honolulu Magazine, Photo Essay: Everyday Life in 20th Century Honolulu, November 2011

PAGE 13

Candidate Ghosting: A Disturbing Trend in the Labor Market

By: Candice Shintani

What is Candidate Ghosting?

Start date arrives and you as the employer have made all the arrangements for orientation and training – and the candidate does a no-show.

When a job candidate suddenly ends all

You try to contact him or her, you e-mail, do phone calls, and no response.

You have just been ghosted.

You can either sit there and get upset or move on and hire smarter.

communication without an explanation.

According to Roy Maurer in an article on the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) website, the shift in the labor market to where there are more job openings available than unemployed workers to fill them, it has become an increasingly tight labor market.

What has typically only affected lower-wage, highvolume types of jobs, has increasingly become a widespread problem in numerous classes of work.

Candidates are being provided so many job opportunities at once that when they are no longer interested in a job, they will simply cut off all communication or merely not show up for the interview.

Keep the communication going with the selected candidate, provide clear expectations, be honest, open and upfront about the compensation package, benefits and workplace culture.

According to Samantha A McLaren, LinkedIn Talent Blog M and a Dr. John Sullivan, ERE Recruiting Intelligence, they R advise that you talk about the a candidate’s goals, encourage c questions, offer a tour of the q offi o ce, keep the candidate well informed about changes, and in set clear timelines of when he or she will hear back from you.

Remember the saying, “Work smarter, not harder.”

According to Maurer, although many new employers are experiencing it in the recruitment phase, “ghosting” seems to be more prevalent in the hiring stage.

If you keep the candidate engaged and the communication going, ghosting will be a thing of the past.

In a typical scenario a candidate applies, interviews, a job offer made and accepted, background check completed, start date confirmed.

PAGE 14

9 Things You Didn’t Know About Prince Kūhiō

By: Katrina Valcourt

Honolulu Magazine published 3/6/19. Reprinted with permission.

P Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole’s 148th K birthday is Tuesday, b March 26.

M While you know he W played an important p Hawaii celebrates Prince role ro in Hawaiian history, Kuhio’s birthday March 26. we w bet you didn’t know he h was arrested at least twice, and these other fascinating facts.

HE WAS NAMED AFTER HIS GRANDFATHERS Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole Pi‘ikoi got his name from his paternal grandfather Jonah Pi‘ikoi and maternal grandfather Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole. His aunt Queen Kapi‘olani (Kalaniana‘ole’s daughter) took guardianship of him after his parents died.

HE ESCAPED A DEATH SENTENCE He served a year in prison for rebelling against the Republic of Hawai‘i in 1895.

Some of his compatriots, Robert Wilcox and Charles Gulick, were sentenced to death for treason. (They were pardoned after serving time in prison.)

HE WAS THE LAST PRINCE OF HAWAI‘I Kūhiō was made prince under King Kalākaua, along with his brothers, David La‘amea Kahalepouli Kinoiki Kawānanakoa and Edward Abnel Keli‘iahonui. They passed away in 1908 and 1887, respectively. Kūhiō died in 1922, the last prince of Hawai‘i.

AND THE FIRST TITLED ROYAL IN U.S. CONGRESS Kūhiō was the first prince in U.S. Congress. He served as a Republican for 19 years, until his death in 1922. During his time, he introduced the first bill for Hawai‘i statehood (1919) and the Hawaiian Homes Commission

Act (1920). He also restored the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, established the first Hawaiian civic club, and got funds to construct Pearl Harbor and create Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.

HE HAD A MEN’S CLUB While serving in Congress, Kūhiō reportedly rented an apartment in Washington, D.C., which he decorated with hunting trophies from Africa. He called his men’s club the Bird’s Nest.

HE WAS A RENAISSANCE MAN Kūhiō attended Royal School, ‘Iolani (where he earned the nickname “Prince Cupid”), Punahou, Saint Matthew’s School in California and Royal Agricultural College in England. He was also skilled at many sports, including football, wrestling, boxing, track, baseball, rowing and polo.

HE KNEW HOW TO THROW A PUNCH In 1901, Kūhiō threw an American tourist to the ground and punched him in the face after he spat a racial slur at the prince and cut in line at the barber of the hotel in which he was staying in Montreal. The man purportedly said, “I didn’t know, Your Highness.

I got all I deserved.”

AND HOW TO KICK While in a café in Switzerland, Kūhiō was arrested for knocking down five university students, including Count von Furstenheim, who told the waiter to throw out that “black man.” Kūhiō kicked him and uppercut a few others, according to a story in the Pacific Commercial Advertiser.

HE FOUGHT A WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA While visiting Africa, Kūhiō joined forces with the British Army in the Second Boer War. (They won.)

PAGE 15

DOT Wellness Shirt Order Form Get your white dri-fit shirt with DOT logo in the front and Wellness logo in the back and help promote HDOT wellness!

Size

Price

S - XL

$10 (SS) $15 (LS)

2XL – 4XL

$12 (SS) $17 (LS)

SS = Short Sleeve

LS = Long Sleeve

Submit your order to Melanie Martin at melanie.martin@hawaii.gov.

Size Name

Office

Contact No.

Adult/Youth

S/M/L/XL/2XL /3XL/4XL

Long Sleeve or Short Sleeve

Total

Amount

Excel

®

Excel at functions, spreadsheets, formulas, PivotTables®, macros, graphs, charts and more. Visit the On-Demand Learning Library to find courses on this topic and more!

Recommended Courses:

Click on the course title below to view the video Add Information to the Tops & Bottoms of Printed Pages in Excel Working With Excel 2016: Update Data with Flash Fill Microsoft Microsoft Excel Keyboard Shortcuts for PC - SkillBuilder Game 2.0 Working with Excel 2016: Insert and Format a Chart Protect Your Data in Microsoft Excel 2016 Sending Documents from Excel in Microsoft Excel 2016

View the entire On-demand Learning Library at: http://dhrd.hawaii.gov/state-employees/eetraindev/ Click on Executive Branch On-demand Learning Library.

1 minute 3 minutes Self-paced 6 minutes 1 minute 1 minute

COVID-19

Coronavirus Disease 2019 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

FEVER

COUGH

DIFFICULTY BREATHING

SEVERE ILLNESS

How is COVID-19 spread?

Through coughing and sneezing Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands Because COVID-19 is new, we are learning more each day about the transmission patterns and incubation periods.

If you have traveled to a country with widespread community spread of COVID-19, stay home or in your hotel room for 14 days after leaving that country and monitor your health for symptoms. § Avoid group settings, including work and school. § Have another family member/friend, who didn’t travel, run necessary errands for you, such as picking up food or medicine. § Avoid using public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares if possible.

For a list of countries with widespread sustained community transmission, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers.

How can I protect myself and our community?

Everyone in our community

If you have traveled to an affected area and feel sick

• Avoid contact with sick people.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands.

• Get your flu shot to reduce the chance of developing symptoms that can be confused with COVID-19. Everyone ages 6 months or older should be vaccinated against the flu.

• Stay home and avoid contact with others except for seeking care.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash.

• If you need medical care, call ahead to your healthcare provider or an emergency room and let them know about your travel history. If you need emergency medical care, call 911.

• If you have difficulty accessing medical care or have questions how to care for yourself at home, call 211.

For more information about COVID-19, call our partners at Aloha United Way 2-1-1.

Or visit our website at: health.hawaii.gov/docd/advisories/novel-coronavirus-2019.

This document was produced by the State of Hawaii Department of Health. Updated 3/4/2020.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Frequently Asked Questions Revised March 12, 2020 Acronyms and abbreviations used in this document: • • • • • • • • •

2019-nCoV: 2019 Novel Coronavirus CDC: US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention COVID-19: Coronavirus Disease 2019 HDOH: State of Hawaii Department of Health MERS: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome SARS: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARS-CoV-2: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 WHO: World Health Organization HNL: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

This document provides reliable and up-to-date information to the general public during the continuing outbreak of COVID-19. Key messages are the importance of preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing, practicing social distancing when there is community spread of COVID-19, avoiding touching your face with dirty hands, and in particular staying home when you are sick (i.e., do not go to work, school, and other activities if you are feeling ill). Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath or trouble breathing.

OVERVIEW What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 (formerly called “2019 Novel Coronavirus,” abbreviated as “2019-nCoV”) is a new respiratory virus that was first identified in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, in Hubei Province. It has since spread to other cities across China as well as at least 80 other countries, including the United States. On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Hawaii.

What is the correct name of this outbreak’s disease and the virus that causes it? Isn’t it called 2019-nCoV? Global experts on viruses have officially named the virus causing the outbreak “SARS-CoV-2.”

This is an abbreviation of “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.” After researching the new coronavirus, scientists determined it is closely related to the virus that caused the SARS epidemic in 2002 and 2003. The virus that caused SARS is known as SARS-CoV, so this new coronavirus is called SARS-CoV-2.

Although the virus is known as SARS-CoV-2, the illness it causes is now officially called COVID-19 (short for coronavirus disease 2019). Shortly after the outbreak first started in Wuhan, China, the virus and illness were often referred to as “2019 Novel Coronavirus,” which was usually Page 1 of 12

abbreviated as “2019-nCoV.” The name “COVID-19” is expected to replace “2019 Novel Coronavirus” and “2019-nCoV,” although for a while the older names may still be in use.

Am I at risk for COVID-19 in the United States?

This is a rapidly changing situation and the risk assessment may change daily. Hundreds of people are confirmed to have been infected across the country, with dozens of deaths associated with COVID-19. The latest updates are available at CDC’s COVID-19 website and HDOH’s COVID-19 website.

For the general public in the United States, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate risk to their health from COVID-19 is considered low. Nevertheless, public health authorities such as CDC and HDOH want everyone to be prepared for the likelihood that COVID-19 will spread more widely in the United States.

There have also been 49 cases of COVID-19 among persons repatriated to the United States, including 3 from Wuhan, China, and 46 who were on the Diamond Princess cruise ship that had been quarantined in Yokohama, Japan.

CDC is taking COVID-19 very seriously. Risk, however, depends on exposure; healthcare workers and family members or close household contacts caring for people with COVID-19 are likely at greater risk of infection than the general public.

Current global circumstances suggest it is likely that this virus will cause a pandemic (a global outbreak of a disease). CDC expects that more cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, and person-to-person spread will likely occur in the United States.

Is COVID-19 a danger in Hawaii?

As of March 6, there have been two cases of COVID-19. One was a Hawaii resident who had been infected with the virus while on vacation aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship in Mexico.

The resident has remained at home while showing symptoms and had no contact with other people.

The second case is a Hawaii resident who felt ill in Washington State and returned home to Honolulu. CDC has been notified and close contacts of the case are being identified and informed of their exposure.

Despite these two cases, there is no community spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii, and the health risk is low at this time. Nevertheless, federal, state, and local officials in Hawaii recognize the seriousness of the situation and are working diligently with federal officials around the clock to prevent spread of COVID-19 within our state.

At some point there may be more cases identified in Hawaii, and possibly even community spread of COVID-19. Therefore, HDOH wants the public to know and practice important preventive measures, such as frequent handwashing, with soap and water for 20 seconds or Page 2 of 12

with alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to prevent spread of COVID-19 when it may be introduced here.

Even if COVID-19 does not become widespread in Hawaii, our access to certain resources could still be impacted by this outbreak. Hawaii residents should make sure they and their household are prepared with a family emergency kit that lasts at least 14 days, in case a family member is quarantined or if there is a shortage of certain goods, such as medicine and food, in the event of a continuing pandemic. You can learn more about preparing a family emergency kit at health.hawaii.gov/prepare/protect-your-family.

HDOH is continually updating information as the situation evolves and federal guidance changes. We urge everyone to learn about COVID-19 by staying informed with credible sources, such as CDC’s and HDOH’s websites.

What happens if there is person-to-person widespread transmission in Hawaii or elsewhere in the United States?

While proactively carrying out prevention measures may slow the spread of COVID-19, it is important to be prepared for the possibility that it could still become widespread in Hawaii.

According to CDC, if there is widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States, there would be large numbers of people needing medical care at the same time. Schools, childcare centers, workplaces, and other places for mass gatherings may experience more absenteeism.

Public health and healthcare systems may become overloaded, with elevated rates of hospitalizations and deaths. Other critical infrastructure, such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, and transportation industry may also be affected. Health care providers and hospitals may be overwhelmed. At this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it. Nonpharmaceutical interventions (such as social distancing or staying home if you’re sick) would be the most important response strategy.

What are coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses named for the crown-like spikes on their surface.

They are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats.

Rarely, these animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people.

Human coronaviruses are also common throughout the world and can cause mild to moderate illness (for example, “the common cold”). Some coronaviruses that infect humans are known to cause severe illness, like the coronaviruses that cause MERS and SARS. COVID-19 is a pneumonia-type illness caused by a new (or novel) coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 that originated in Wuhan, China. It may have originated in animals, but it can now be spread from person-to-person.

So is COVID-19 the same as SARS and MERS? No, they are different coronaviruses.

Page 3 of 12

How does COVID-19 spread?

Although SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) likely came from an animal source, it can also spread from person-to-person. Some viruses are very contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. It’s not clear yet how easily COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person.

The main way most coronaviruses (including the common cold) spread is through the droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person may be infected when those droplets land in one’s mouth or nose, or possibly eyes.

How long is a person with COVID-19 infection contagious?

At this time, CDC and others are studying available data to better understand this. Very likely, as with other coronaviruses, a person is infectious as long as they are ill. However, we continue to monitor the situation to update the information.

Does HDOH release the names of confirmed cases or persons under investigation?

HDOH protects patient privacy and does not release names or other information that could be used to identify a person infected with COVID-19 or who is under quarantine.

At the same time, those who may have been exposed have a right to know and to protect themselves. When HDOH identifies a potential case of COVID-19, a detailed investigation is performed that includes tracing and contacting all close contacts of that person during the time that they were infectious. Since the virus is spread by prolonged close contact, people who have briefly been in the same indoor environment or had brief interactions are not considered to be at risk for infection.

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have reported mild to severe respiratory illness, including the following symptoms: • Fever • Cough • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing Some patients may not report fever, especially the very young, elderly, immunosuppressed, and people taking certain fever-lowering medications.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

CDC believes the symptoms of COVID-19 may appear as early as 2 days after exposure and as long as 14 days after exposure.

Page 4 of 12

Are there complications from COVID-19?

Many patients with COVID-19 have developed pneumonia in both lungs. In some cases, death has occurred.

How is COVID-19 treated?

There are no specific antiviral treatments for COVID-19. People who are infected should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.

Should I be tested for COVID-19 infection?

If you have traveled to an area with widespread sustained community transmission in the past two weeks and have symptoms of respiratory illness (such as cough or shortness of breath), call ahead to a healthcare provider and mention your recent travel or close contact. The healthcare provider will work with the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) to determine if you need to be tested.

People who have traveled to areas recognized by CDC as having community spread of COVID-19 (e.g., South Korea, Japan, most of Europe, Iran, and other countries) should monitor their health for 14 days after leaving those areas. If they develop a fever or cough, they should call their healthcare provider for guidance and tell them about their symptoms and travel history.

You can find a list of countries with widespread sustained community transmission of COVID-19 at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers.

What is the test for SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19? Can any laboratory in Hawaii test for it?

SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) is detected through laboratory testing of respiratory specimens and serum (blood). Healthcare providers who think their patients may have COVID-19 can work with HDOH to have their specimens tested. Testing can be performed at the Hawaii State Laboratories Division, at CDC in Atlanta, Georgia, and at some commercial labs.

Will HDOH tell us if there is a confirmed case in Hawaii and where the case is located?

HDOH will inform the public if there is a confirmed case. HDOH respects the privacy of persons and their households and balances that against our mission to protect the public’s health.

Therefore, only the county where the person is located will be identified.

Wasn’t there a case involving a visitor from Japan? What happened with that?

On February 14th, HDOH was informed by CDC that a traveler from Japan was hospitalized and tested positive for COVID-19 after visiting Hawaii. The traveler’s wife also became symptomatic after returning to Japan and tested positive for COVID-19.

The couple visited Maui from January 28 to February 3, and Oahu from February 3 to February 6, 2020.

Although HDOH cannot release information such as the name of the infected individuals due to privacy concerns, HDOH worked carefully with the Japanese consulate in Page 5 of 12

Honolulu and Japan’s Ministry of Health to understand where the couple had traveled while in Hawaii. HDOH reached out to those who may have been exposed and advised them to self-monitor their health for symptoms of infection for 14 days. After extensive investigation by HDOH, no one has been identified as having had close contact with the travelers and subsequently becoming ill. HDOH continues to monitor closely for any potential concerns related to this situation.

PREVENTION AND PROTECTION How can I protect myself and my family?

The best way to prevent transmission of any respiratory illness (including flu) is to follow everyday preventive actions: •

• • • • • • •

Get your flu shot. With current seasonal flu activity, it is likely there will be confusion as persons with flu will exhibit some of the same symptoms as COVID-19, such as fever and cough. We strongly recommend residents ages 6 months and older protect themselves against flu by receiving the seasonal flu vaccination.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue; then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Is there a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19?

There is currently no vaccine to protect against this virus. The way to prevent infection is to practice preventive measures such as frequent handwashing.

Does the flu shot provide any protection against COVID-19?

The annual flu vaccination does not protect against COVID-19, but it is recommended for all persons ages 6 months or older to protect against getting influenza (the flu).

Why should I get the flu shot then?

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to symptoms of influenza (the flu). Reducing the number of flu cases (by getting the flu shot) not only helps decrease the burden on healthcare providers and facilities, having fewer patients with flu-like symptoms makes it easier to detect those persons who might have COVID-19 infection.

Page 6 of 12

More importantly, the flu shot also prevents you from getting flu and spreading it to others, especially very young people, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems. For these people, flu can be severe or even deadly.

Will wearing a mask protect me from COVID-19?

For healthy or well people, wearing a face mask is not recommended to prevent infection. The best preventive measures are to wash your hands (especially before touching your face, nose, or mouth), cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, limit your contact with sick people, and stay home if sick. If you are sick, wearing a face mask can help prevent others from being infected by the droplets from your cough or sneeze.

TRAVEL TO/FROM CHINA AND AFFECTED COUNTRIES I recently traveled to China. What should I do?

If you have returned to the United States from mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan) on or after February 3, 2020, you should stay home and monitor your health for the 14 days after leaving China: • Stay home and avoid group settings, including work and school. If possible, have another family member/friend, who didn’t travel from China, run any errands for you such as picking up food or medicine. Avoid using public transportation, taxis, or rideshares if possible.

• If you develop a fever (100.4°F/38°C) or cough, call HDOH for advice before seeking care. If you can’t reach HDOH or are having trouble breathing, call ahead to your doctor’s office or emergency room and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.

If you returned from mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan) before February 3, 2020, and do not have any symptoms, you can remain in school or work. If you left China less than 14 days ago and feel sick with fever, cough, or trouble breathing, you should: • Stay home and avoid contact with others except for seeking medical care.

• Call HDOH for advice before seeking care. If you can’t reach HODH, before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

Is it safe to go to China?

On February 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of State issued a level 4 travel advisory for all of China and recommended against any travel to China because of the COVID-19 outbreak (U.S Department of State China Travel Advisory).

• In response to an outbreak of respiratory illness, Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan and other cities in Hubei province, including buses, subways, Page 7 of 12

• •

trains, and the international airport. Additional restrictions and cancellations of events may occur.

There is limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas.

Travelers without U.S. citizenship or a green card who traveled in China within the past 14 days may be prohibited from re-entering the United States under the presidential directive effective February 2, 2020.

I am planning to travel internationally, but not to China. Is it safe to travel internationally?

The situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve and we cannot predict if other countries will still be considered “safe” for travel in the coming months. Anyone with plans to travel internationally should stay informed of the latest Traveler’s Health Recommendations for their specific destination, as this is an evolving situation.

Currently there are Department of State travel restrictions and Level 3 CDC advisories for mainland China (excludes Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), most of Europe and Iran. CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) and Iran. Also, foreign nationals with recent travel from these destinations are unable at this time to enter the United States. U.S. citizens and residents returning from mainland China and Iran should stay home for 14 days after leaving those countries and practice social distancing. If they are sick with fever, cough, or breathing difficulties, they should call ahead before seeking medical care. This information is subject to change; travelers should check wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices for the latest information.

CDC has upgraded the Travel Notice for South Korea and Italy to Level 3 (“Warning”) due to widespread ongoing community transmission of COVID-19. CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to South Korea and Italy. People who have been in South Korea or Italy within the past 14 days should stay home or in their hotel room for 14 days after leaving those countries and practice social distancing. If they are sick with fever, cough, or breathing difficulties, they should call ahead before seeking medical care. This information is subject to change; travelers should check wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices for the latest information.

The CDC has issued a Level 2 (“Alert”) Travel Notice for Japan due to sustained community transmission of COVID-19 in those countries. This alert advises older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions to consider postponing nonessential travel to these locations since they may be at higher risk for severe illness. Travelers should watch their health during travel and for 14 days after leaving Japan. This information is subject to change; travelers should check wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices for the latest information.

A Level 1 (“Watch”) Travel Notice for Hong Kong has also been issued, indicating that people should “practice usual precautions” when traveling to these locations. This emphasizes the importance of following basic precautions to prevent illness while traveling and to monitor the situation. Basic precautions include avoiding contact with sick people, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and cleaning your hands often by washing them Page 8 of 12

with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This information is subject to change; travelers should check wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices for the latest information.

Hawaii residents are encouraged to check the U.S. Department of State and CDC websites for travel advisories to other countries. While there are no U.S. restrictions besides mainland China and Iran at this time, given the rapidly evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 in China and some of its neighbors in East Asia, Hawaii residents may want to reconsider their travel plans to the region because of restrictions and quarantine criteria that other countries have put in place or may put in place in the future. These restrictions may cause disruptions in travel and cause difficulties for Hawaii residents trying to return home.

Should I be worried about products imported from China?

There is no evidence you can become infected with COVID-19 from a product imported from China. COVID-19 appears to be related to coronaviruses like SARS and MERS which do not survive long on surfaces. Instead, they are usually spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets.

What about animal products from China?

CDC currently has no evidence that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading COVID-19. Information will be updated as it becomes available.

Is my pet at risk of getting COVID-19? Do animals in Hawaii have COVID-19?

Although this coronavirus seems to have come from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person. There is no reason to believe animals or pets in Hawaii or elsewhere in the United States might be at risk for infection from COVID-19.

SITUATION IN HAWAII What is HDOH doing to monitor the situation with COVID-19?

HDOH is doing a number of things to closely monitor the situation with COVID-19: • • • •

At this time, there are no persons requiring investigation for potential COVID-19 infection in Hawaii; we are monitoring existing disease surveillance systems and reviewing response protocols with relevant in-state partners.

We are collaborating and frequently communicating with CDC and state public health partners to closely monitor the situation and ensure Hawaii is prepared should a person potentially exposed or infected with COVID-19 be identified in Hawaii.

We are working with healthcare facilities to ensure hospitals and healthcare providers are up to date on infection control recommendations in the event they encounter a person potentially infected with COVID-19.

We are communicating regularly with public and private travel partners to ensure the latest CDC guidance and information is being shared with all relevant personnel.

Page 9 of 12

•

We have been conducting illness surveillance of international travelers at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport since October 2005 and continue to work with our airport partners on ongoing, regular surveillance.

What are hospitals in Hawaii doing to get ready?

HDOH is sharing with and updating infection control guidance to healthcare facilities to ensure hospitals and healthcare providers are prepared should they encounter a person potentially infected with COVID-19. Hospitals and healthcare providers, in turn, are reviewing their infection control policies. Hospitals and HDOH are in regular communication with federal partners to ensure supplies of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers are adequate.

Are there any cases of COVID-19 in Hawaii?

At this time, HDOH has identified two persons potentially infected with COVID-19.

Are passengers being screened at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport?

The White House issued a proclamation that starting at 5:00 p.m. EST (12:00 p.m. HST) on February 2, 2020, foreign nationals who have been in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) or Iran in the past 14 days are barred from entering the United States. U.S. citizens, green card holders, and their immediate family with travel to China in the past 14 days are permitted to enter but must undergo special screening and may be subject to quarantine for up to 14 days. All US citizens and their close family members returning from China must enter through one of 11 airports in the United States (including HNL), where they will be screened by US Customs and Border Protection agents in collaboration with CDC. • • • •

If travelers are showing signs of respiratory illness, they will be sent to a healthcare facility for medical care.

If travelers were in Hubei Province at any time in the past 14 days, they will be quarantined at a secure location and monitored for illness for 14 days after their departure from China.

If travelers are returning from other places in China and have been in close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, they may also be subject to quarantine for 14 days from last exposure.

If travelers are returning from all other parts of China and they have not been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, they will be allowed to travel to their home or final destination where they will be monitored by their local public health department and asked to remain in their homes and avoid public places for 14 days after their departure from China.

HDOH is communicating regularly with travel partners at HNL to ensure the latest CDC guidance and information is being shared with airport personnel. HDOH has conducted influenza-like illness surveillance at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport since October 2005 and continues to work with our airport partners on ongoing, regular surveillance.

Page 10 of 12

All travelers from China will be given CDC’s Travel Health Notice, educating those travelers about what to do if they get sick with certain symptoms within 14 days after arriving in the United States.

Will passengers on a quarantined cruise ship be quarantined again when they leave the ship and enter Hawaii? What are the quarantine requirements for passenger ship passengers?

Cruise ships carrying passengers who have been to mainland China (excludes Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan) within the last 14 days are not allowed to enter U.S. waters, including waters off Hawaii. Their crew and passengers will not be able to disembark until after 14 days have passed since leaving China.

Once persons have completed their required 14-day quarantine, they are free to return to their regular daily life. There is no reason to quarantine an individual again unless they are exposed to a person with COVID-19 infection.

Are there quarantine restrictions for non-passenger commercial ships?

Non-passenger commercial vessels that have been to, or have crew that have been to, mainland China, with no sick crew members will be allowed entry to the U.S., but their crew must remain aboard the vessel.

If there were cases in Hawaii, how would they be isolated? What are the procedures and protocols?

HDOH is coordinating closely with Hawaii’s healthcare facilities to ensure any clinic, hospital, or other healthcare setting is ready to care for a person infected or potentially infected with COVID-19 with appropriate isolation precautions. Cases not needing hospitalization will be subject to quarantine with close monitoring by public health and ready access to medical care.

What is self-monitoring?

People with travel history to countries other than China where there is widespread community transmission but who have no symptoms of COVID-19 may be asked to selfmonitor for 14 days and check themselves for symptoms of COVID-19. If they develop a fever or cough, they should call their healthcare provider for guidance and tell them about their symptoms and travel history.

If I think I or my family member has contracted COVID-19 but we have no health insurance due to a lost job or other situation, what should we do? Will we be turned away from a hospital?

Hospitals in Hawaii do not turn away emergency cases, regardless of insurance coverage.

However, any individual or family that has lost health coverage due to job loss or other

Page 11 of 12

circumstances is encouraged to contact federal and Hawaii state resources to obtain health insurance, such as the federal government’s healthcare marketplace or Hawaii’s Quest.

You can find out about your eligibility for free or subsidized healthcare coverage by visiting www.healthcare.gov/connect or humanservices.hawaii.gov/mqd or by calling Quest at 1-877628-5076.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/novel-coronavirus-2019.html. You can also visit the HDOH website at health.hawaii.gov/docd/advisories/novel-coronavirus-2019. Finally, you can call Aloha United Way at 211 from anywhere in Hawaii for information and referral services.

Page 12 of 12