Kawakami to Deliver Kaua’i State of The County Online Amid Concerns Over Coronavirus Spread

Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami will deliver his second State of the County Address via video, which will be uploaded to the County of Kaua‘i website and Facebook page by noon on Friday, March 13.

“Our team will be airing the State of the County Address online, in lieu of holding a live event as originally planned,” Kawakami said in a press release.

“As we ask the public to take precautions and help us mitigate the spread of illness, we understand that the demonstration of best practices starts with us.”

Kawakami signed an emergency proclamation on March 4, 2020, for the County of Kaua‘i, in order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the people of Kaua‘i from the potential spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Mayor’s proclamation was issued in coordination with the Governor’s Office and fellow counties.

Following the signing of the Emergency Proclamation, Kawakami requested county council approval to release $2 million from the Disaster Response Reserves fund for the purpose of funding emergency expenditures to meet the public emergency needs related to COVID-19.

“With today’s announcement of a confirmed case of COVID-19 on O‘ahu, we are urging the public to stay informed, prepare your family with proper emergency supplies, and continue to practice proper hygiene and preventive safety measures,” said Mayor Kawakami.

“The safety of the public is our top priority and our county stands ready to immediately mobilize resources as necessary.”

The state Department of Health recommends the following to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• 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.
• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from illnesses, including COVID-19. Keep in mind that supplies are limited and we need to make sure there are enough masks for our front-line health care workers. If you are sick then wear a mask to protect the people around you.
• Prepare for the possibility that people may want to stay home or may be asked to stay home to prevent the spread of illness.
• If you have daily medication needs, have more than a week’s supply on hand and have as much on hand as your insurance will allow you to have.
• Not everyone can afford to stock up on supplies or has the space to store them, but anything you can arrange in advance means one less inconvenience or one less trip to the store while you are sick.
• Make family plans for the possibility of school or day care closures. Do some contingency planning in advance at the family level.