This is Now (August 25, 2020)

The governor has approved a new “stay-at-home” order for Oahu starting Thursday at 12:01 a.m., officials announced in a news conference.

The order, which was described as similar to the order issued in March, will remain in effect for two weeks.

It allows essential businesses to remain open, including child care, construction, health care and some educational services. Religious services will also be allowed, with restrictions.

Businesses not considered essential include personal services (like salons and barber shops), gyms, and restaurants, which will have to revert to takeout only. Beaches and parks will also remain closed.

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said during the shutdown the city and state will dramatically ramp up testing — conducting 70,000 tests in 14 days — to be able to reopen safely.

Officials said authorities will also use the time to bolster contact tracing and quarantine measures.