Dr. Leslie Chun from Hawaii Pacific Health joined the COVID-19 Care Conversation to talk about the status of COVID-19 and what health care providers are doing to prepare for a potential second wave as the state reopens.

Chun said that they are seeing a significant decrease in the urgent and non-urgent patient visits. Health care providers are concerned that patients who need care are not coming in. Chun reminded patients that there are a variety of ways to connect with their physician including, e-messaging, telephone, video conferencing, virtual and in-person urgent care, as well as in-person appointments.

With the low number of cases in Hawaii, Chun shared that right now may be one of the safest times to seek health care. “Don’t defer care, “ he said. “We want to make sure patients and the community know that we are here to help individuals,” he added.

When asked about the effectiveness of wearing a mask, Dr. Chun said that masks are highly effective as they not only protect yourself, they also protect others. He also clarified that using vented masks are not suggested as they only protect yourself, not others.

Chun spoke about tourism reopening and the potential second wave of COVID-19 cases. He shared that hospitals have implemented a number of procedures in preparation, including a patient questionnaire, temperature screening, and mask and physical distancing requirements. In addition, they have adequate supply of personal protective equipment and have protocols in place to keep patients and staff safe during procedures.

He spoke briefly about when a vaccine will be ready. According to government officials there are promising vaccines currently being looked at. While officials do not know the efficacies, it was mentioned that 100 million vaccine doses could be available in early 2021.

Watch here and submit your questions through our Facebook page. Join us Thursday when Mufi Hannemann from the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association will be our guest.

Join the COVID-19 Care Conversation, live every weekday at 10:30 a.m. Yunji de Nies and Ryan Kalei Tsuji will discuss the latest news, resources and community concerns about the coronavirus outbreak in Hawaii.

The COVID-19 Care Conversation, sponsored by Hawai’i Executive Collaborative and Hawaii Pacific Health, airs live every weekday at 10:30 a.m. on the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Facebook page. Yunji de Nies and Ryan Kalei Tsuji discuss the latest news, resources and community concerns about the coronavirus outbreak in Hawaii.