Wed. 4/15 COVID-19 Daily Update
“SAFE HOTELS, SAFE HAWAII” LIVE VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
In case you missed it or want to re-watch it, you can view our COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall on our Facebook page. Our Financial Secretary-Treasurer Eric Gill, HARIETT executive director James Hardway, and Dr. Scott Miscovich led a discussion on how to keep our hotels safe during this pandemic to ensure hotel worker and guest safety. Local 5 members asked great questions about this important topic and had them answered by our presenters. Watch the full Virtual Town Hall on our Facebook page.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
NEW TOOL TO TRACK YOUR DIRECT PAYMENT, UPDATE BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION (Senator Schatz, April 15, 2020)
The IRS created a new tool to track Americans’ $1,200 stimulus check. You can check the status of your check here if you filed taxes in 2018 or 2019 (you’ll need those years tax return to access the portal). If you are eligible to receive the money but haven’t filed taxes in those years or receive social security you can submit your info here to IRS to try to receive payment.
State launches new online portal for tracking unemployment claims (Hawaii News Now, April 15, 2020)
The state Unemployment Office has launched a new web link for people to track claims by entering your last name, email and social security.
New email addresses have been setup by the UI office to specifically answer certain questions:
- Backdating – dlir.ui.backdate@hawaii.gov. This email address is for those who would like to have their claim backdated. The backdate will be for their first week of less than full employment due to COVID-19. Individuals are to submit their full name, last four digits of their Social Security Number, telephone number, and the week that they would like their claim backdated to.
- Disqualification – dlir.ui.disqualified@hawaii.gov. This email address is for those who have received an email, letter, or other messages that says that they are disqualified from UI. Individuals are to submit their full name, last four digits of their Social Security Number, telephone number (including area code), and a screenshot of their disqualification.
- Language access – dlir.ui.languageassistance@hawaii.gov. This email address is for those who would like to request language assistance from UI. The interpretation services would be provided free of charge and via telephone
Unions: Governor is proposing 20% pay cuts for ‘most’ state employees (Hawaii News Now, Aprilk 15 2020)
HSTA and HGEA are claiming Ige is verbally proposing pay cuts for “most” state workers of 20% starting May 1st. HGEA claimed the governor has proposed a 10% pay cut for first responders in several bargaining units—including nurses, correctional workers and others. Ige hasn’t confirmed his proposals publicly yet.
Staff: Things Got Out Of Hand Quickly At Maui Hospital (Civil Beat, April 15, 2020)
More reporting on the PPE and policy mismanagement at MMMC by Kaiser and the Maui Health System leading to a outbreak that has infected 36 staff and patients so far.
Coronavirus: Amazon boss Jeff Bezos adds $24bn to fortune (BBC, April 15, 2020)
The richest man in the world just made another $24 billion during this crisis, as people rely on Amazon deliveries while locked down. Amazon stock is at an all time high and has a market cap of $1.15 trillion. Amazon workers are getting fired for raising safety concerns at the warehouses.
US coronavirus deaths set single-day record as total hits 28,300 (Al Jazeera, April 15, 2020)
U.S. coronavirus deaths have risen by a single-day record 2,228 as the total hits 28,300, according to Reuters. The U.S. also passed a second milestone late on Tuesday with over 600,000 reported cases, three times more than any other country.
World: Cases: Cases: 2.06M (+80k). Deaths: 137k (+11k)
USA: Cases: 639k (+30k). Deaths: 31k (+5k). Total Tested: 3.2M (+200k)
Hawaii: Cases: 530(+13). Deaths: 9 (+0). Hospitalized: 45 (+0). Recovered: 359 (+26
