Tue. 3/24/20: COVID-19 Daily Update

Unemployment Application Update

Our staff is dedicated to assist you in applying for unemployment. We are receiving high volume of calls, so we ask that you remain patient and understanding. Local 5 is working to expand our capacity so we can assist you through the process. We are in this together and we appreciate your support.

We have translated the Unemployment Application Instructions page to CHINESE.

Click here:  點擊這裡查看中文翻譯

 

SHOUT-OUT TO OUR KAISER MEMBERS

We want to highlight the hard work and dedication of our Local 5 members at Kaiser. Thank you, Kaiser workers, for all that you do to ensure the safety & health of our communities. We stand in solidarity with all of our workers—we are always stronger together

 

RESOURCES PAGE

Local 5 has a community resources page on our website, which includes a list of 38 schools statewide that are providing grab-and-go breakfast and lunch to children who are 18 years or younger.

Our Local 5 website also has a list of facilities for COVID-19 screening

 

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

COVID Cases Summary

Worldwide: Cases: 423k, Deaths: 19k, Total recovered: 108k

US Cases: Cases: 55k, Deaths: 790, Recovered: 348

Hawaii: Cases: 90, Deaths 1, Hospitalized: 6

Hawaii public school cafeteria workers begin free meal service (Star Advertiser, March 24 2020)

Starting today, up to 39 campuses statewide will start to provide free to go lunches to students.  The meals are free to any child who must be present for pickup.  Pickup times are 7:30am to 8am, and 11:30am to 12:00pm.   As of Tuesday, Oahu schools providing meals are: Dole Middle School, Farrington High, Kahaluu Elementary, Kahuku High & Intermediate, Kailua Elementary, Kaimuki High, King Intermediate, Leilehua High, Makalapa Elementary, McKinley High, Waialua High & Intermediate and Waimanalo Elementary & Intermediate. On Wednesday, the Leeward Oahu district will also begin distribution at August Ahrens Elementary, Campbell High, Kapolei High, Maili Elementary, Nanaikapono Elementary, Nanakuli High & Intermediate, Waianae Intermediate, Waianae High and Waipahu Elementary.   Neighbor Island school locations ca be viewed at DOE’s webpage for the lunch program here.

 

Hawaii public school campuses to remain closed through April 30 (Hawaii News Now March 24, 2020)

Spring break extended to April 30th per stay at home order.  Some online materials may be developed for students.


Here’s what’s in the developing coronavirus stimulus bill (CNBC March 24, 2020)

The “third” COVID response package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). As of Tuesday 7:45 HST, Senate voted to pass the bill. Democrats stopped previous republican versions of the bill that were corporation friendly. This bill should have more worker friendly provisions and restrictions/oversight on corporate bailouts.  The CARES Act reportedly includes:

  • Cash payments of up to $1,200 for individuals, $2,400 for married couples and $500 per child, reduced if an individual makes more than $75,000 or a couple makes more than $150,000
  • Strengthened unemployment insurance, which could potentially add $600 per week for up to four months on top of what a state would give beneficiaries.
  • A $350 billion fund for small businesses to mitigate layoffs and support payroll
  • $500 billion available to the Treasury Department to make loans, loan guarantees and investments to or in industries damaged by the pandemic
  • Requires that recipients of loans do not buy back stock during the time the loan is outstanding, and that executives or employees who made more than $425,000 in 2019 do not get a raise for the next two years [this means a $10 million salary can still be $10M, just can’t be raised more]
  • Requires group health plans and insurance providers to cover without cost-sharing any coronavirus preventive services
  • An employee retention tax credit
  • $10 billion for airport relief
  • $50 billion in relief to airlines in the form of loans or grants,
  •  more…

 

Halekulani is latest hotel to close its doors ahead of mandatory quarantine rule (Hawaii News Now, March 23, 2020)

Halekulani and its sister hotel Halepuna Waikiki will close through April 30th