PRESS RELEASE - 14 - 2020

(31 July 2020, Honolulu, Hawaii) – Following the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii and amidst concerns of the high infection rate among Filipinos in Hawaii, Philippine Consul General Joselito A. Jimeno reached out to the Filipino community to remind them to stay vigilant and adhere to recommended health protocols to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

In his letter today to the Filipino community in Hawaii, Consul General Jimeno said “Like us, I am sure you are concerned about reports on the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, as well as Hawaii Department of Health data showing that infection rates in the Filipino community is the third highest among ethnic groups within the state, comprising 19 percent of the total number of cases.”

He expressed gratitude for those in the community who continue serving despite the risk to their own lives. “I know that many of our kababayans are essential workers, whose services we are truly grateful for,” wrote the Consul General.

Aside from their occupations, another factor for the high infection rate in the Filipino community is the fact that many live in multi-generational households.

With the impending reopening of schools and tourism in the state, Consul General Jimeno concluded his reminder by underscoring the importance of following health protocols and monitoring developments, saying that “guidelines change depending on the prevailing situation.”

To be able to reach as many in the community as possible, the Philippine Consulate General also reached out to Filipino media in Hawaii and requested them to remind their audiences to heed and follow recommended health protocols.  

On 24 July 2020, the Hawaii Department of Health reported that 19% of total cases in the state identified themselves to be of Filipino race. This makes the Filipino community the third highest community to be infected following the Pacific Islander and the Caucasian communities, which account for 25% and 20% of cases respectively. END.