Thanks to the surge of cases across the US, and especially in Hawaii’s largest tourism markets, the August 1 reopening date for Hawaii may not happen. Especially as Hawaii continues to struggle with reopening plans and other issues.
Last week, Hawaii set a new record for the number of new cases reported in a single day (41). Then, that record was beat again this past Saturday (42). These new records, while low, are causing concern around the state. Especially since Department of Health officials have long said that Hawaii hospitals can handle a daily average of 30 new cases reported. Thankfully, we’re not there yet. But, even so, the spikes are causing many to question whether or not the state’s reopening plan.
August 1 Reopening Date May Not Happen
Though the spike in infections here in Hawaii, along with the surge in infections across the mainland US is a concern, they’re not the main reason officials are reconsidering our reopening plans. Rather, the surge has created a shortage of critical testing supplies. In fact, last week, Hawaii-based Diagnostic Labs was notified by Roche that their access to testing supplies would be limited. This, in turn, cut the state’s total testing capacity in half.
This halving of our testing capacity is a concern, but is bearable. We have enough testing capacity to cover Hawaii’s current needs. But if we have to be able to test tourists upon arrival? That’s a different story. There simply won’t be enough tests, depending how many tourists come, and how many adhere to the pre-entry testing rules.
Of course, getting tested before heading to Hawaii is another issue right now too. The testing supply shortage is increasing the amount of time it takes to receive test results on the mainland. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, you could get results in as little as three days, satisfying Hawaii’s pre-arrival testing rules. But, now? Labs are quoting times as high as five to seven days. That’s clearly not going to work.
Add to the above issues signs that personal protective equipment supplies are coming under pressure again and, well, we’re seemingly right back to where we were in April, huh? Workers, rightfully, won’t want to work without protective gear. Especially if we can’t even get testing done.
No Firm Answer Yet
Towards the end of last week, Hawaii’s mayors have become increasingly critical of Governor Ige’s plans to reopen the state. Many are asking him to reconsider his plans, while word is that the health department director has expressed his own concerns as well. But, in typical fashion, Governor Ige continues to keep us in the dark. All we know is that, after days of deliberation with the mayors, Governor Ige still doesn’t know what to do.
Of course, having an answer sooner than later is crucial, as hotels are now in the process of preparing for the return of visitors on August 1. Airlines too have reinstated much of their suspended schedules. So, the sooner they get an answer, the sooner they can make a call on whether or not to again delay their plans.
August 1 Reopening Date for Hawaii May Not Happen, Final Thoughts
When it comes to acting responsibly in public, Hawaii residents have proved to be nearly as bad as those in the rest of the US. Yes, our numbers continue to be among the best in the nation. But, if we can’t act responsibly on our own, how does that bode for when thousands of visitors come flooding back in. Especially when Hawaii’s largest visitor markets are places seeing enormous surges in new cases, such as California, Arizona, etc.
On the flip side, our economy does rely on visitors. The economic strain is only getting worse. But, if we don’t have the capacity to adhere to our testing plans and are having difficulty obtaining protective gear, how do we safely reopen? Again, if workers fall ill, there will come a point in time in which businesses may not have enough workers to remain open. Especially since a huge percentage of Hawaii’s households are dense, multi-generational homes. And it’s this living situation that has already helped to spread the virus rapidly amongst the community. Hell, Hawaiian Airlines already reported a cluster of 15 infections at its training center. But, they’re also warning of mass layoffs come October.