Governor David Ige has released plans for the state to have a phased reopening of businesses and facilities that have been closed due to the novel coronavirus. At a Monday afternoon press conference, he unveiled the color-coded plans that have been in the works for weeks. The plan is called Beyond Recovery: Reopening Hawaii.
Gov. Ige says the state has stabilized, with a low number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, and low single-digit increases—or no increases—each day for more than 2 weeks. The plan addresses reopening the kama’aina economy, mostly without tourists.
After going through the “Stay at Home” and “Safer at Home” phases, Gov. Ige says the state is now in the “Act with Care” phase, which he says provides minor disruptions to life. In all phases, people have to wear masks in stores or when close to people, maintain physical distancing from non-household members, and continue to practice hand-washing and other hygiene measures.
The plan is a general plan, and each Mayor is to decide how and when to implement the different stages. During the month of June, the plan says it will be fine to reopen indoor gathering places, indoor exercise facilities, museums, theaters, personal services, and restaurants for dining-in — but the date for each island is to be determined by the Mayor, with concurrence from the Governor.
On Maui, Mayor Michael Victorino asked the Governor’s ok to allow hair salons to open on May 25. On both Maui and O’ahu, many retail stores and malls have already reopened. Beaches have reopened on those islands.
Late Monday, Mayor Harry Kim’s office sent out press releases saying beaches on the Big Island may reopen today, pending the Governor’s approval. He has not indicated when restaurants and other facilities may reopen on this island.
At this phase of the plan, high risk individuals and kupuna are still supposed to stay at home. Gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer, and maintaining the 6 foot distance from others is critical.
Gov. Ige also extended the traveler 14-day quarantine for all passengers whether from out of state or interisland through June 30.
Click here for the plan. There are charts which explain what is allowed at each phase, and that there will be at least 14 days between phases. Gov. Ige also said if cases of COVID-19 spike, there may be a retreat to a previous phase of the plan.
