HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-28 Mayor Kim Issues Emergency Proclamation to Increase Preparedness -- press release
Roy Takemoto
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
February 28, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Mayor Kim Issues Emergency Proclamation to Increase Preparedness
Hawai‘i County Mayor Harry Kim issued an Emergency Proclamation on Friday to
increase preparedness for the possible arrival of Coronavirus in the State. There are
NO confirmed cases of the virus, also known as COVID-19. The proclamation is a
proactive measure to do all we can to prevent the virus from coming here and to do all
we can to limit its impact if it does come here.
Besides heightening preparedness, the Emergency 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
NGO (non-governmental organization) partners and allow for reassignment of County
personnel if necessary.
“While recognizing that the County of Hawai‘i and the State of Hawai‘i have no reported
COVID-19 cases, the County of Hawai‘i will be increasing promotion of precautionary
measures and education as recommended by the CDC and State of Hawai‘i
Department of Health by increasing County-wide programs” of prevention and
education, the Proclamation said.
Mayor Kim said the County is actively promoting measures to protect people from the
virus and to prevent its spread, as recommended by the CDC. The measures include
frequent washing of hands, healthy cough etiquette, and avoidance of 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.
“Our goal is to stop the virus, and if it does come here, to mitigate the spread of the
virus,” Mayor Kim said. He said that the County is working closely with the Governor’s
Office and the State Department of Health to achieve this goal.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.