Maui Departments Increase Sanitization, Urge Precautions Against COVID-19

While there are no confirmed cases in Maui County, all county departments and personnel have increased sanitization efforts and are taking additional precautions amid statewide concerns relating to COVID-19.

“Our County departments have tripled their efforts to keep our facilities and public transportation services sanitized for the health and safety of our community,” Mayor Michael Victorino said in a press release on Monday afternoon. “Our directors have taken a comprehensive inventory and ordered additional resources, in the event they are needed. Continuity of operations plans and emergency procedures have also been established for use by our personnel and local agency partners.

“I continue to encourage our community to remain calm, and take special care of our seniors and those with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease.”

Bus / Airport Disinfectant Procedures:

The Maui Bus fixed route, commuter and paratransit services as well as human service transportation buses will be disinfected multiple times per day. Filters for air conditioners will also be replaced more frequently. High-touch surfaces in County facilities, such as elevator buttons, door handles and handrails, are also frequently sanitized.

According to the state Department of Transportation, Kahului Airport officials have tripled their orders of sanitation materials and posted informational fliers throughout the airport, including restrooms and terminals. Additional hand sanitizing dispensers have been installed for workers and those traveling through the airport as well. The airport also hired a safety management system manager and has been working with restaurants and other vendors to increase cleaning efforts.

Precautions Urged for Older Adults and Those with Underlying Medical Conditions

Despite the increased sanitation measures, older adults and those with serious chronic medical conditions are advised to use a tissue or sleeve to cover their hands and fingers from touching these surfaces. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends that these higher-risk populations avoid crowds as much as possible and keep space between themselves and others.

If you do get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay at home and call your doctor to let them know about your symptoms. Emergency warning signs could include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion and bluish lips or face.

County Emergency Operations Center Activated:

The Emergency Operations Center, which was activated last week, continues to host video teleconference calls for our department personnel and agency partners with the Governor’s Office, State Department of Health and statewide emergency management agencies. The County of Maui receives daily status updates from the State DOH for guidance and coordinated response to the coronavirus.

The Centers for Disease Control provides the following recommendations for those who may have a higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19:

• Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary medications. If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for medications.
• Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
• Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be prepared to stay at home for at least 14 days. (The public is discouraged from hoarding supplies.)
• Avoid crowds as much as possible and keep space between yourself and others.
• Take everyday preventive actions, such as washing hands often and avoid touching your face, nose and eyes.
• To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people. Try to use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
• Coronavirus updates are available via the following links: County of Maui’s website at mauicounty.gov; State DOH website at https://health.hawaii.gov/; and national updates at the CDC website at coronavirus.gov.
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  Roberts Hawaii Maui Bus workers sanitize hand rails, seats and other high-touch surfaces with antibacterial wipes inside a bus Monday afternoon. PC: County of Maui / Chris Sugidono

  

  Geno Quemado, Special Customer Service Rep, and Caryan Hao, Cashier, wipe down a payment counter Monday Afternoon in the Department of Water Supply.. PC: County of Maui / Chris Sugidono

  

  Tyson Ako, Roberts Hawaii Maui Bus mechanic removes an air-conditioning filter from a bus Monday afternoon. PC: County of Maui / Chris Sugidono

  

  Lisa Dang-Fujishiro, Human Resources Technician II in the Department of Personnel Services, wipes down chairs and tables inside a classroom Monday afternoon. PC: County of Maui / Chris Sugidono

  

  Roberts Hawaii Maui Bus workers wash the outside of a bus Monday afternoon. PC: County of Maui / Chris Sugidono

  

  Kehau Keaweehu, Office Operations Assistant for the Department of Public Works, disinfects her hands Monday afternoon. PC: County of Maui / Chris Sugidono

  

  Roberts Hawaii Maui Bus workers sanitize hand rails, seats and other high-touch surfaces with antibacterial wipes inside a bus Monday afternoon. PC: County of Maui / Chris Sugidono

  

  Zeke Kalula, Office of the Mayor receptionist, wipes down the elevator button on the Ninth Floor on Monday afternoon. PC: County of Maui / Chris Sugidono