Mayor Harry Kim issued an emergency proclamation Friday to increase preparedness for the possible arrival of coronavirus in Hawaii.
There are no confirmed cases of the virus, also known as COVID-19, a county statement said. The proclamation is a proactive measure to prevent the virus from coming here and to limit its impact if it does arrive.
Besides heightening preparedness, the proclamation will allow for greater mobilization of county resources, positions the county for reimbursement should state or federal monies become available, allow for coordination with federal, state and non-governmental partners, and allow for reassignment of county personnel if necessary.
“Our goal is to stop the virus, and if it does come here, to mitigate the spread of the virus,” Kim said.
He said that the county is working closely with Gov. David Ige’s office and the state Department of Health to achieve this goal.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends frequent washing of hands, covering coughs to protect others, and avoiding touching of eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
The CDC also recommends getting the seasonal flu shot, to help reduce the number of seasonal flu sufferers.