Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) is extending the state’s stay-at-home order until May 31, as the Department of Health reported two additional cases of the Chinese coronavirus in the state.
Ige said his decision to extend the order for another month was not easy but warned that the state is “not out of the woods yet.”
“This was not an easy decision. I know this has been difficult for everyone. Businesses need to reopen. People want to end this self-isolation, and we want to return to normal,” Ige said in a statement.
“But this virus is potentially deadly, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions,” he continued.
The Department of Health reported two additional cases of the coronavirus in the state, which has a population of roughly 1.4 million, bringing the total to 606 cases. According to KHON2, 488 have recovered and been released from isolation, while 68 cases have required hospitalization. Fourteen individuals have died as a result of the virus.
The revamped order allows beaches to reopen for exercise and gives the green light for hospitals to resume elective medical procedures but largely keeps the bulk of the state’s restrictions in place, including requiring travelers to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
“Thanks to our residents, we are flattening the curve, saving lives, and avoiding a resurgence of this virus by not reopening prematurely,” Ige said.
Other governors are taking more aggressive action as they see cases decline in their respective states. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D), for example, is taking a phased approach, allowing retailers, nail salons, and hair salons to resume operations May 1.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has also taken decisive action, allowing restaurants to resume limited dine-in services on Monday.
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