Maui Coronavirus Updates

Governor David Ige provides a live update on the COVID-19 situation in Hawaii. Start time is 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

President Donald Trump today approved a major disaster declaration for Hawaiʻi, according to an announcement today from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Doctors On Call Maui is offering video-visit telemedicine appointments to patients by phone or video from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily, seven days a week, the Maui urgent care clinic announced.

Maui Health today acknowledged that per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocol, it is treating its first patient confirmed by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health as having COVID-19.

As of noon on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, there are 258 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi with 34 new cases. Maui has one new case for a total of 26 confirmed positive.

First Hawaiian Bank today announced it is initiating an ATM Fee Waiver Program, now through June 30. Non-First Hawaiian customers can withdraw cash from any of the bank’s network of 270 ATMs throughout Hawaiʻi, without being charged a convenience fee by First Hawaiian Bank.

The Hoʻāla Assistance Program, funded by the Hawaiʻi Resilience Fund is providing one-time emergency financial assistance of up to $1000 per household to Hawaiʻi residents facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maui police arrested and charged a 37-year-old Maui man with three counts of Burglary of a Dwelling during a Civil Emergency and Habitual Property Crimes. Due to the County of Maui being in a Disaster Emergency Relief Period, the Burglary of a Dwelling offense becomes a class “A” felony. 

US Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaiʻi hosts a live telephone town hall this afternoon to provide updates on the national and state response to the coronavirus. She will be joined by Dr. Scott Miscovich, a physician who has been leading COVID-19 response efforts, who will give an update and answer questions about testing in Hawai‘i.

“Our state and local law enforcement and first responders have been on the front lines with our health care professionals in confronting this pandemic, and they need the appropriate tools, equipment, and resources to keep themselves safe as they assist others,” Senator Hirono said. “This funding will help ensure that these first responders are able to continue protecting our community during this challenging time.”

The Special Committee points out in the letter that South Korea officials found that emergency texts sent three to five times a day were effective in reducing community spread, as the text messages detailed exact locations and movements of people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

A new radio feature runs this week featuring executives and doctors with Maui Health who will provide updates and answer questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s guest is Mike Rembis, Chief Executive Officer with Maui Health.

Effective April 4, Hawaiian will be providing a total of 16 daily roundtrip flights with Boeing 717 aircraft between Honolulu (HNL) on O‘ahu and Hilo (ITO) and Kona (KOA) on the Island of Hawai‘i, Kahului (OGG) on Maui, and Līhu‘e (LIH) on Kaua‘i. For travelers not originating in or bound for O‘ahu, the schedule was carefully created to offer three daily roundtrips via HNL to all Neighbor Islands.

Those who must travel to perform an essential function, including those providing and seeking medical care, will have to fill out and sign an Interisland Declaration Form, wear appropriate protective gear – primarily masks, and follow all social distancing requirements.

“This new loan program will help Hawai‘i small businesses meet their payroll and provide people with paychecks for up to eight weeks.”

Effective Wednesday, the County of Maui Department of Transportation is suspending three Maui Bus commuter routes and adjusting schedules for others due to significant decreases in passengers caused by COVID-19.

Effective immediately, new hospital protocol for personal protective equipment (PPE) allows Maui Health employees and providers to wear their own masks.

Governor David Ige today offered condolences to the family of an individual, as the state reported it’s first death linked to the COVID-19 virus.  Today’s press conference comes ahead of tomorrow’s start of a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine for interisland travelers.  

As explosive as this thing can be, if you shut it down with hygiene and spreading out, you will lead those” potentially positive individuals “to a dead end,” said Dr. Pang. A second round of testing at the War Memorial Gym drive-through site on Maui was conducted on Monday, March 30, with 83 tests submitted for review.

As of noon on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, there are 224 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi with 20 new cases. Maui has no new cases for a total of 25 confirmed positive. Of the cases statewide, 6% have required hospitalization, and over 80% were residents returning from other areas. There have been no deaths.