CDC team: ‘War has changed’ as delta variant dangers emerge
New evidence showing the delta variant is as contagious as chickenpox and may be more dangerous than other versions has prompted U.S. health officials to consider changing advice on how the nation fights the coronavirus, internal documents show.
Recommending masks for everyone and requiring vaccines for doctors and other health workers are among measures the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering, according to internal documents obtained by the Washington Post. Learn more.
Following a slow march to the goal line, the state Department of Health reported Thursday that 60% of the state’s population is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
That 60% mark was the original goal set by Gov. David Ige in June, and was supposed to be when visitors from the mainland would be able to skip the mandatory 10-day quarantine or pre-travel COVID testing with proof of vaccination. When the state is 70% fully vaccinated, Ige said, essentially all restrictions would be lifted. More details.
Hawaii businesses in ‘wait-and-see’ mode on vaccine mandates
Most private companies are still in wait-and-see mode, according to Michele Kauinui, director of human resources services for Altres, which serves several thousand employers in Hawaii, many of which are small businesses.
While a few have recently implemented mandates, there are still a lot of unanswered questions about how to go about it, as well as potential liabilities, and many are watching what larger companies do first as they begin bringing workers back to offices.
Read more at staradvertiser.com
Ige says he’s not ready to institute vaccine mandate for state workers
As vaccinations have slowed in the islands and new infections have surged, some are considering vaccine mandates for state workers.
Gov. David Ige told Hawaii News Now on Tuesday that the state can legally require COVID-19 shots for state workers. But he wants to wait until the FDA gives its full approval to the vaccinations.
They currently have emergency approval. There is no definite timeline for full FDA approval.
Other jurisdictions, including California and New York City, have already moved ahead in mandating the vaccine for government workers and testing for those who refuse.
Learn more at hawaiinewsnow.com
Hawaii Tourism Authority approves plan to reduce Oahu tourists
The Hawaii Tourism Authority on Thursday approved a tourism management plan for Oahu that says the agency will work to “decrease the total number of visitors on the island.”
The agency intends to meet that goal by “managing the number of visitor accommodations, and exploring changes to land use, zoning and airport policies.” More information.
U.S. economy surpasses pre-pandemic size with 6.5% growth in second quarter
Fueled by vaccinations and government aid, the U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.5% annual rate last quarter in another sign that the nation has achieved a sustained recovery from the coronavirus pandemic recession. The total size of the economy has now surpassed its pre-pandemic level.
Today’s report from the Commerce Department estimated that the nation’s gross domestic product — its total output of goods and services — accelerated in the April-June quarter from an already robust 6.3% annual growth rate in the first quarter of the year.
Read more at staradvertiser.com
Biden ramps up vaccine push with new rules for federal workers and call for $100 payments
Washington — President Biden called on state and local governments to use COVID-19 relief funds to give $100 to residents who get vaccinated and said federal workers will have to show proof of vaccination or face new restrictions in the workplace, including complying with weekly testing.
The new rules for the federal workers and the call for cash payments are part of a broader push by the administration to get more Americans vaccinated as the Delta variant of the coronavirus fuels an increase in new infections nationwide. The vast majority of COVID-19 cases are still among the unvaccinated, and the Biden administration says 97% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients haven't gotten their shots.
Learn more at cbsnews.com
Pacific Edge Magazine Announces Call for Nominations and New Categories for their 11th Annual Awards Gala
Pacific Edge Magazine is pleased to celebrate its 16th Anniversary and present its 11th Annual Business Achievement Awards to be held on November 4th. Nominations are now open and winners in each of the 14 categories will be announced during an awards gala on November 4th at the Aloha Tower in Honolulu, HI.
New Categories:
Realtor of the Year
Tech Company of the Year
The future youth workforce is here and is in need of your expertise! The Hawai’i Department of Education (HIDOE) is looking for committed Business leaders to sit on Career and Technical Education Pathway Advisory Councils (PACs). With students picking career pathways as early as 8th grade, the DOE needs advisory council members to serve as the industry experts to inform student technical skills learning in the following K-12 CTE programs of study and curriculum:
Advanced Manufacturing
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
Business Management, Finance and Marketing
Energy
Information Technology and Digital Transformation
This is an amazing opportunity to influence the future of work in Hawai’i alongside education and post-secondary partners. What’s the commitment? Each member sits on the PAC for two years and will meet twice a year to review technical skills, content in course standards and identify industry-recognized credentials. Interested? Apply at http://bit.ly/PAC_Cohort2appl by August 13, 2021, by 4:30 PM. For questions, email Lord Ryan Lizardo, Program Manager of Work-Based Learning at lrlizardo@cochawaii.org.
18-month Payment Plan Available for Small Businesses
What is Shopify? How does selling online work? What features are available? How can Shopify help you grow your business? In this workshop, we will cover the history of Shopify, how it works to help businesses sell and scale as well as get an understanding of the costs involved. It is an essential class for anyone considering opening a business.
With more than one million users in 175 countries, Shopify is one of the world's most popular commerce platforms. Used by small businesses and corporate giants alike, Shopify can help almost anyone no matter what stage of their entrepreneurial journey they are at. Join us as we dive into a high level overview of commerce with Shopify and see how this tool can help you reach your goals.
18-month Payment Plan Available for Small Businesses
Small businesses with past-due balances can now take advantage of Hawaiian Electric’s newest payment arrangement – an 18-month installment option. Previously, the longest payment plan available was a 12-month arrangement.
Hawaiian Electric’s ‘Schedule G’ customers may choose from a variety of payment plans that include monthly installment plans stretching over 4, 6,12 or 18 months. Deferred-start options of 4, 6 and 12 months also are available, and payments kick in two months after the arrangement is made.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Hawaii Chapter launched an executive program – HR Executive Leadership Program – to enhance the visionary and strategic leadership capabilities of Human Resource executives of tomorrow that will drive organizational performance excellence through a formalized Fellows program.
Visit HRLeadersHawaii.com to learn more about the HRELP program purpose, schedule, facilitators, commitment, and application process. Regular admission deadline is November 30th, 2021.
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