HONOLULU — The Honolulu COVID-19 pandemic hotline will cease operations on April 14, bringing to an end more than three years of continuous support for those seeking up-to-date, factual information about the pandemic and its related community resources.

What You Need To Know

  • The city established the pandemic hotline and COVID response email address on March 23, 2020, to provide information about city services to Oahu residents

  • Call center staff responded to more than 2,400 calls and emails on the first day alone, according to the city

  • The hotline evolved into a go-to source for factual information about COVID-19, government orders, travel restrictions related to the pandemic, and the many relief programs offered by the city, state, federal agencies like the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other government agencies and nonprofits

  • Once the service ends, a pre-recorded message will re-direct callers to the Department of Customer Services for information about city services through April 28. Thereafter, the number (808-768-2489) will only be activated as an emergency hotline during hurricanes or other disasters

“The pandemic hotline was always about supporting our communities through the darkest of times,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “It started with city employees just trying to help people stay safe, but it quickly became something our residents relied on much more than that, to the tune of answering more than 100,000 calls and emails. The call center became an invaluable resource center that kept the city on the pulse of what was happening with families, community groups, and small businesses during the pandemic.”

The city established the pandemic hotline and COVID response email address on March 23, 2020, to provide information about city services to Oahu residents. Call center staff responded to more than 2,400 calls and emails on the first day alone, according to the city.

At a time when rumors, misinformation and misunderstandings hampered efforts to address and control the outbreak, the hotline evolved into a go-to source for factual information about COVID-19, government orders, travel restrictions related to the pandemic, and the many relief programs offered by the city, state, federal agencies like the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other government agencies and nonprofits.

The closing of the hotline is the latest in a gradual rolling back of COVID-19-related program and services, even as case numbers have increased over recent weeks. There were 1,204 new COVID cases in the state from March 23 to 29, an increase of 190% over a 14-day period. The test positivity rate was 12% as of March 26, a 100% increase over the previous period. Average daily hospital admissions increased 48% to 29.

Honolulu, Maui and Kalawao Counties are at medium risk according to the Centers for Disease Control’s COVID-19 Community Level assessment.

Once the service ends, a pre-recorded message will re-direct callers to the Department of Customer Services for information about city services through April 28. Thereafter, the number (808-768-2489) will only be activated as an emergency hotline during hurricanes or other disasters.

For non-urgent issues with city services, the public may visit the 311 website or use the 311 mobile app.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.