Hawaii Governor unveils 4-phase plan to reopen economy

Honolulu, May 19 (IANS) Hawaii Governor David Ige has unveiled a four-phase reopening plan as the US Pacific state reported no new COVID-19 cases in less than two weeks.The state has completed the first phase of "saving lives and flattening the curve" in the community, and has reopened low-risk businesses in the last few weeks, reports Xinhua news agency.It will start to gradually reopen medium-risk businesses and operations beginning in June in the second stage, according to the plan.The reopening of high-risk businesses and operations will eventually follow, as long as Hawaii's disease activity continues to remain manageable, the governor stated in a press release.In the third stage which involves long-term recovery, Hawaii will renew and rebuild economy through planning and policy discussions, incorporating transitional workforce modernization opportunities, supporting economic diversification initiatives, targeting the development of emerging industries, and advancing long-term resiliency planning.The state will focus on re-opening highest risk businesses and activities, while remaining cautious and adjusting safe practices as needed.Resilience is the intended outcome for the state in the fourth stage."It is important to act with care by maintaining physical distancing and safe practices throughout the re-opening, to protect the health and safety of the people of Hawaii," Ige said on Monday, noting that he was committed to making decisions based on data, science and best practices.He also announced the extension of the mandatory 14-day quarantine for both travellers arriving in Hawaii and inter-island visitors through June 30. Hawaii has a total of 640 COVID-19 cases, with 17 deaths.
--IANS ksk/