Last updated 10/1/2020

Federal plans and updates

Visit the federal COVID-19 response website, and the CDC website for the latest advice and updates, including what to do if you think you are sick, resources for the community, and special advice for high-risk populations. The FEMA website outlines the federal government response and guides for telling fact from rumors about the pandemic.

This is a very stressful time. For information about how to manage stress and anxiety, visit the CDC website.

STATE PLANS AND UPDATES

Visit the Department of Health's COVID-19 website for the latest updates and information, and see press releases at here.

The state government and each county has released detailed information about restrictions and safety. For full guidelines, see the statewide Emergency Declaration, the Kaua'i Emergency Proclamations and Rules, the Maui County Public Health Emergency Rules, and the City and County of Honolulu Emergency Order. 

For the most up-to-date information about O'ahu's response, visit the OneOahu website. Call (808) 768-CITY or email covidresponse@honolulu.gov with any additional questions. Or, call the Coronavirus Hotline run by Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center at (808) 697-3170. 

All emergency services will continue uninterrupted. The Bus will move to state holiday schedule beginning April 1, 2020. 

Scammers have been taking advantage of the situation. For more information, see the press release from the Department of Consumer Affairs. If you think you may have been targeted by a scammer, visit this FTC blog post. 

healthcare information

Aloha Free Clinic (O'ahu only)
  • A clinic that will open June - December 18 that can serve recently unemployed people who lost their jobs and health insurance due to the pandemic. Medical visits are free. 
  • The clinic will focus on patients with chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, asthma, and COPD. The clinic will not treat or test COVID-19 patients, or people with chronic pain and require narcotics. It can help patients who need refills of routine medications. 
  • The clinic is located at the Kalihi Medical Building at 2055 N King Street, Honolulu. 
Medicare (Federal Guidelines)
  • Medicare will cover COVID-19 lab tests for individuals (no out-of-pocket-costs), all medically necessary hospitalizations due to COVID, Telehealth and related services, such as mental health counseling, preventative health screenings, online patient portals, etc. 
  • There is no COVID-19 vaccine. But, if/when there is, it will be covered by Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
  • People may qualify for equitable relief for Part B, Part A, or refuse Part B enrollment.  Equitable relief includes extra time to enroll or refuse Medicare enrollment AND no late enrollment fee.  Relief ends on June 17, 2020.  See this release.
  • For more information, visit the Medicare website or see this brochure.

​MedQuest Division 
  • There are no copays for services related to COVID-19.
  • Apply online on the MedQuest website if you need healthcare insurance. 
  • If you  were on Medicaid as or March 18, 2020 or have become eligible since then, your Medicaid coverage will not be terminated during this period of National Emergency. 

Coronavirus scams

Scammers have been taking advantage of the pandemic to con people into giving them their money. Visit this blog post by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for scams to look out for.