Hawaii Governor Ige to make a life or death decision

The Hawaii Department of Health has disturbing news. 43 new COVID-19 infections, 38 on Oahu, 2 Maui, 2 Island of Hawaii.

Altogether here is the reality when it comes to Coronavirus

• Hawaii County 100 cases, 11 active, 3 hospitalization
• Honolulu County: 905 cases, 282 active, 95 hospitalizations, 13 dead
• Kauai County: 43 cases, 5 active, 1 hospitalization
• Maui County: 133 cases, 15 active, 25 hospitalization, 6 dead

With active clusters on Oahu, yesterday’s confirmed infection in Waikiki’s Cheesecake Factory Restaurant, hundreds of people arriving as tourists most likely trying hard to avoid the mandatory quarantine, this is not a healthy situation for the Aloha State. Arizona, an important source market for Hawaii has the worst situation anywhere in the world in regards to COVID-19.

It appears the final word by Governor Ige will be a decision over life and death for many unknown residents. Lt. Governor Green together with all 4 mayors agree the State should not welcome visitors after October 1.

Hawaii is in a very vulnerable position. Hawaii is a US State, part of the most infected country in the world, but separated by 2,500 miles of water from the rest of the deadliest country on the globe when it comes to COVID-19. US travelers are banned in Europe and most of Asia for a good reason.

There is no clear evidence that travel can be safe, despite initiatives supported by major industry. Taking money over safety and pushing initiatives like the WTTC Safe Travels Seal of Approval to tell potential visitors not to worry is wrong.

Keeping the tourism industry closed for a little time longer will ensure a better future for the same industry and the people living in Hawaii.

The latest studies estimate 40% of all people infected don’t have any symptoms They should be responsible of half of the spread of the virus called silent transmission.

Planes, checking high temperatures will not detect this 40% of those transmitting the virus.

There are not enough contract tracers, tests available to take the risk of opening the floodgates for tourism yet.

Economically Hawaii will enter uncertain times, but no money in the world can substitute a life lost.

The author is the chair and founder of rebuilding.travel , a global discussion on the future of the travel and tourism industry,

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