09/01/2021
A message from the TAG.
The COVID-19 infection rates related to the Delta variant continue to spike throughout the State of Hawai‘i. Coincidentally, our department is also experiencing a substantial increase in COVID infections. The State of Hawai‘i successfully reduced previous spikes in COVID cases by employing simple mitigation measures. Each and every one of us has a role and an individual responsibility to mitigate risk. Government restrictions alone will not stop the spread of COVID; it takes the diligent efforts of us all. Treat yourself and everyone else as though they are infected and contagious.
I ask again that each of you adhere to the following:
- Please get vaccinated. Fully approved and Emergency Use Authorization vaccinations are safe and effective.
- Wear a mask while indoors and outdoors if you are not able to maintain six feet of physical distance from others.
- Wash your hands often and periodically disinfect high-use common areas.
- Maintain six feet of physical distance. This includes while wearing a mask.
- Avoid large gatherings and social events. Cancel or postpone events until the COVID spread is again under control.
- Postpone or cancel non-essential travel.
- Due to the increased strain on healthcare emergency and intensive care facilities, I recommend you consider curtailing off duty higher risk activities (ex: skydiving, motocross riding, the milk crate challenge, etc) until the current spike subsides. Why? If you are injured (e.g., a broken bone, lacerations, torn ligaments or muscles) and require medical attention, your needs may be deemed non-critical and the wait time to see a physician or have your injuries taken care of could be extensive.
To our HIDOD supervisors: there are other work-related mitigation strategies that I empower you to consider. Form bubbles within the workplace so that fewer employees interact with each other. This reduces the likelihood of large clusters and assists with contact tracing. Allowing qualified and designated employees to telecommute also reduces the likelihood of workplace transmission.
To my HING service members: you have been tasked multiple times with missions related to the COVID-19 crisis. It is vital that our efforts and personal actions represent everything that the Hawai‘i National Guard stands for.
Please be safe. Together, with your sacrifice and dedicated efforts, we will get through this emergent surge of COVID infections.
Mahalo,
Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara
