Anyone interested in getting more detail about the state’s reopening strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic can now view it online.
The strategy includes multiple graphical representations of the phases, impact levels, decision points and useful information for individuals and businesses. View it online at https://recoverynavigator.hawaii.gov/reopening-status/#detailed-strategy.
The reopening strategy was developed by Gov. David Ige’s office along with the Hawaii Economic and Community Recovery Navigator in collaboration with many government agencies and business sector partners, according to a news release from the state.
The reopening strategy, presented by the governor in late May, is informed by three guiding principles: save lives and prevent suffering, empower individuals with safe practices and reopen and reshape Hawaii to be stronger and more resilient.
The state road map to recovery and resiliency includes four distinct phases: stabilization, reopening, long-term recovery and resilience.
The state is currently in phase two, the reopening phase, with an emphasis on strengthening and promoting the “kamaaina economy,” according to the release. During this phase, interisland travel will reopen without quarantine restrictions on June 16. This phase is informed by the “Act with Care” impact level, which asks all Hawaii residents to continue safe practices recommended by the state Department of Health.
As phase two transitions into phase three, long-term recovery, there will be consideration for reopening highest-risk businesses and operations, including increasing the size of allowable gatherings.
These decisions will happen with caution and adjustments to safe practices as conditions evolve.
The resilience phase, or phase four, is the state’s intended outcome.
“This envisions an adaptive workforce, a flexible business environment and an innovative economy,” according to the release.
Each phase corresponds to impact levels informed by health, economic and community-based indicators. To ensure the health and well-being of the community, the governor and county mayors agreed to a minimum 14-day “observation period” between decision points to assess conditions before moving to the next impact level.
“We will continue monitoring health metrics with every decision we make and are committed to decisions based on data, science, and best practices,” Ige said in the release. “We are also mindful that every action we take serves the interest of the health and safety of the people of Hawaii. Together, we will emerge stronger and more resilient as a result of learning from and overcoming this challenge.”