Some biz can reopen Thurs, but it’s still “safer at home”

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the courage and victory of those who battled at Puebla in 1862; saving their communities from the French invaders. Like them, we are in battle.  And we can overcome the enemy with social distancing considerations for our neighbors.  So…. If you are in the mood and feel like celebrating this day, do as we did. We went to take out delicious food from our McCully/Moiliili chat restaurant—Margaritas– and also enjoyed their classic margaritas – raising a toast to all of you and to your good health: Salud!!!

NOW TO BUSINESS:  WHAT’S REOPENING
The Governor today announced his phased approach to reopening — certain businesses and organizations will be allowed to reopen on May 7 but with the requirement that they adhere to social distancing and PPE measures, eg six-foot rule, masking up, sanitizing, etc. You should know the drill by now (that won’t change for a while).  The re-openings include:

• Non-food agriculture, including landscape, floral and ornamental (that mean moms will get flowers on Sunday!);
• Astronomical observatories and support facilities;
• Car washes;
• Pet grooming services;
• Healthcare and social assistance, including elective surgery and non-emergent services;
• Non-profit organizations;
• Retail businesses and services, including apparel, electronics and florists;
• Shopping malls; and,
• Wholesale and warehousing operations.

This first phase of the State’s re-opening in the Governor’s 7^th Supplemental Proclamation is here.  Governor calls this the “safer at home” order to replace the “stay at home” order.  The re-opening is being phased in because three criteria were met: (1) declining trend in COVID-19 cases, (2) capacity in healthcare to handle cases including any new surge, and (3) robust testing and contact tracing.

The Mayor, at his press conference today,  stressed the need for a robust system of contact tracing that includes testing of asymptomatic individuals and people who were/are in close contacts with anyone who was exposed to or infected with COVID19.  He also stressed the need for testing of healthcare workers, first responders, those who work with kupuna, high risk individuals, and tourists; and those who are exposed to them regularly.

Businesses are urged to exercise discretion in their reopening plans and be mindful of what they must do to protect all of us in preventing the spread.  And, remember it is a joint responsibility. Consumers should also decide whether to patronize businesses; if they are not following the social distancing orders, think twice about your safety –and their employees.  It may not be as much fun, but it is still “safer at home”.

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

KOKUA KAU KAU KITS is continuing its service. thanks to many of you. Remember it’s a program by Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association and Y. Hata to offer some special grocery options to furloughed hospitality workers and their families, as well as the public. They are selling two hefty packages to feed families of 8-10 people.  Order by tomorrow (5/6) at 5pm for pick up on Friday(5/8). See the two bundles and other details.  Let’s help our hospitality workers and their families!