Hawaii is dealing with a surge in new coronavirus cases, which some experts say was caused by a combination of the state's relaxed approach to testing and unclear guidance during the pandemic's early days.ĭr. The state's Department of Transportation is shutting down an entire freeway in an effort to accommodate surge testing for the coronavirus. Medical volunteers take temperature readings on people arriving to seek shelter from Hurricane Douglas at Honolulu's Hawaii Convention Center on July 26. Newsweek contacted the HDOT for comment but did not hear back in time for publication. "Testing on the H-3 is a historic, first-ever endeavor that will make a significant difference in getting more people tested," Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said in the release. The HDOT is already encouraging those who might need to use the H-3 during the planned closures to seek alternate routes. Testing stations will be set up at both the eastern and western ends of the freeway, in Kaneohe and Halawa, according to the release. During testing hours, officials will use the inside lanes of the H-3 at its Tetsuo Harano Tunnels to line up the vehicles of those waiting to be tested. to 6 p.m., but residents will be notified in advance once the dates are confirmed, the release stated. The closure is planned to take place on September 1 and 3 from 7:30 a.m. Use of the H-3 will provide space to allow as many people as possible to be tested." "We're all working together for the health and safety of our whole community. "This surge testing will help us flatten the curve once more," Hawaii Governor David Ige said in a press release.
H3 HAWAII FULL
The HDOT and other partners will coordinate the full closure of the H-3 freeway, a 15-mile-long interstate that runs across the eastern end of the island. The city and county of Honolulu, located on the island of Oahu, will partner with state agencies to provide a testing site for Hawaii's largest community. Hawaii's Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced Thursday it would shut down an entire freeway in an effort to accommodate a surge in coronavirus testing as cases continue to rise.