Three people have been arrested and 70 people have been cited in Hawaii for ignoring a stay-at-home order issued by the governor in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, the disease the CCP virus causes.
NTD refers to the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, as the CCP virus because the Chinese Communist Party’s coverup and mismanagement allowed the virus to spread throughout China and create a global pandemic.
Two people were arrested in a park, one in Waipahu and another in Kaneohe on Ohau, after refusing orders by police officers to leave. Another woman from Kailua Kona was arrested after she violated a protective order concerning a child custody dispute and for throwing a rock at a residence, in addition to ignoring the stay-at-home order.
“It’s not that we went out looking for it, but because this person was arrested for another crime and they’re out where they’re not supposed to be, we added that as a second charge,” Hawaii island Police Chief Paul Ferreira said, reported the Star Advertiser.
Meanwhile, police in Honolulu issued 70 citations over violations of the order, a misdemeanor punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and a year in jail.
“It is urgent that our community respond to this pandemic and comply with these orders,” said Kauai Police Chief Todd Raybuck. “If this isn’t taken seriously, our small island’s healthcare system will not be able to withstand community spread of the virus. Please, stay at home and do your part for the wellbeing of our community.”
Hawaii Gov. David Ige issued a stay-at-home order effective from 12:01 a.m. on March 25.
Ige’s order affects all Hawaii residents but makes exceptions for workers in essential industries and residents who need to leave their homes for various needs, including getting healthcare, purchasing food, and getting exercise.
Essential industries include media, financial institutions, and gas stations.
“The threat of COVID-19 is unprecedented and it requires even more aggressive actions,” Ige said at a press conference last week, after previously announcing that everyone entering Hawaii, including residents returning from other places, would have to enter a two-week quarantine.
The new order (pdf) has more exceptions than similar orders from other governors.
“Residents can leave their homes for various needs, including healthcare, purchasing food, medicine, and gasoline, taking care of the elderly, minors, and those with disabilities, returning to a place of residence outside of Hawaii, picking up educational materials for distance learning, receiving meals and any other related services, and outdoor exercise—including surfing, swimming, and walking pets,” Ige’s office said in a statement.
Epoch Times reporter Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
