An older adult on Oahu who was hospitalized with multiple underlying health problems became Hawaii’s 19th coronavirus-related death, health officials said today.
“Every COVID-19 death is an emotional reminder of the need for us all to be vigilant and cover our faces when we are out of our homes, physically distance ourselves from others, and wash our hands frequently,” said Governor David Ige in a press release. announcing death. “It is about protecting each other and allowing the state to reopen safely. We all have an interest in this and now is the most critical time to wear a mask. ”
Health Director Bruce Anderson said: “As the state continues to reopen businesses and rebuild the economy, controlling the spread of COVID-19 will be the key to moving forward. Controlling the spread of the virus requires everyone to cover their faces whenever they are outside and avoid crowded places, closed spaces, and close contact with those outside their home. “
Of the state’s 19 coronavirus deaths, 13 have been on Oahu and six on Maui.
The Health Department reported that another 29 new positive cases have brought the state total to 975 infections since the outbreak began in late February. There were 25 new cases on Oahu, two on Maui, one on the island of Hawaii, and one case is a Hawaii resident who was diagnosed out of state.
“At least five cases represent three new events and possible groups. The cases on Oahu are from various areas, including Honolulu, Kailua, Mililani, Pearl City, Wahiawa, Waialua, Waianae, Kaneohe, Waimanalo and Waipahu, ”health officials said in a noon news release.
As of today, 202 infections in Hawaii are active cases with a total of 754 patients now classified by health officials as “released from isolation” since the outbreak began in February. Eight new cases of release on Oahu were reported today. The category counts infected people who have met the criteria for release from isolation.
About 77% of Hawaii’s people who have been infected are now classified as released from isolation.
The current total number of coronavirus cases statewide includes 701 on Oahu, 127 in Maui County, 91 on the island of Hawaii and 38 in Kauai County, according to health officials. The total also includes 18 Hawaii residents diagnosed out of state.
Of all confirmed cases in Hawaii since the start of the outbreak, 118 have required hospitalizations, and two new hospitalizations on Oahu were reported today, health officials said.
A hospitalization on the state count is a Hawaiian resident who was diagnosed and treated out of state, authorities said. Of the 117 hospitalizations within the state, 88 have been on Oahu, 25 on Maui, three on the island of Hawaii, and one for Kauai.
By county, Honolulu has seen 533 patients released from isolation, and Maui has released 115 patients. Kauai has 17 active infections, while the Big Island has five.
Of the more than 81,618 coronavirus tests conducted so far by state and clinical laboratories in Hawaii, almost 1.2% have been positive.
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