REPORT: Former Miss America contestant has coronavirus, pleads with state to ‘shelter in place’

Kapela went on to suggest a “mandatory 15-day shelter-in-place order four our county and prohibit all nonessential travel to and from the Big Island” as well as statng that Hawaii should “close all schools indefinitely to protect teachers and our keiki, while quickly instituting a two-week quarantine for all travelers entering the islands.”

Read her full statement, from Facebook, below:

“This afternoon, I learned that I have tested positive for COVID-19.
Aside from a minor cough, I feel fine. I don’t have a fever. I’m not experiencing flu-like symptoms. My test was taken on Tuesday and, following Department of Health instructions, I’m under quarantine for at least seven days following the date of my test.

“I contracted coronavirus in New York, where I recently traveled to audition for the New York Jets dance team. I was concerned about having potentially been exposed to COVID-19 in New York and tried to get tested before returning to Hawai’i, but was unable to do so due to the nationwide shortage of tests that we were, and still are, experiencing.

“I even inquired about being tested immediately upon arriving back in the islands, which I was informed might be possible. Again, however, my attempt to be proactive and precautionary was rebuffed and the information I was given turned out to be false. I took it upon myself to visit Kona Community Hospital, so that I could keep my community and my loved ones safe.

“All individuals with whom I’ve been in contact since coming home have been notified. All appropriate measures are being taken to ensure their safety, though, luckily, none of them, including my family, are showing symptoms of COVID-19.

“While I was initially shocked about my test result, my shock has become deep concern for our state. Now is the time to band together in common cause to prevent the spread of this illness on our shores.
I call upon Big Island Mayor Harry Kim to enact stronger measures to protect our island from coronavirus. It is imperative that our mayor implements a mandatory 15-day shelter-in-place order four our county and prohibit all nonessential travel to and from the Big Island.

“Additionally, our state should close all schools indefinitely to protect teachers and our keiki, while quickly instituting a two-week quarantine for all travelers entering the islands.

“Finally, lawmakers must prioritize working families and small businesses in overcoming the financial devastation wrought by this crisis. When we help workers meet their basic needs, everyone prospers. Paid sick and emergency leave, access to childcare and family leave, increases to unemployment benefits, and the extension of loans to impacted local businesses are all measures that are vital in protecting economically vulnerable residents and public health.

“We are one ‘ohana. We will get through this. Together, we will emerge more united, more resilient, and more filled with aloha for one another.”

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