Daily News Digest

Department of Health: Clarification on McDonald’s COVID-19 Cluster Investigation A cluster of cases involving 7 employees at two McDonald’s locations, Kona Commons and the Walmart in Kailua Kona, have recently been identified. The Dept. of Health wants to remind everyone that those numbers may change as the investigation into the primary case and their contacts continues. Once the COVID-19 cases were confirmed the establishment closed its operations at both locations and is currently performing enhanced cleaning. All employees who have tested positive are in isolation and potentially exposed employees without symptoms are self-quarantined at their homes. In addition, 5 [...]

Governors Office: Thousands of Small Businesses Get SBA Help During his daily news briefing today, Governor David Ige announced that 8,426 small businesses have had Small Business Administration Loans approved under the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program. The total amount approved for Hawai‘i businesses so far totals $1,626,051,108. The governor again encouraged all residents of Hawai‘i to wear masks when in public and to abide by physical distancing measures. Lt. Governor’s Office: Update from Lieutenant Governor Josh Green - State COVID-19 Healthcare Liaison   Statewide Hospital Capacity Update as of April 14, 2020 HOSPITAL BEDS ICU BEDS VENTILATORS 2,773 Total Beds [...]

Department of Health: Hawai‘i COVID-19 Cases Exceed 500 – Only Five in Latest Report The number of positive COVID-19 cases across the state now stands at 504. However, the latest report shows one of the lowest numbers of new infections in several weeks, at five (5) adults. DOH cautions not to read too much into the low number of cases, as it is likely a reflection of the rate of test reporting over the weekend. O‘ahu had two (2) cases, Hawai‘i Island had one (1) new case, and Maui had two (2) cases. None of the cases is hospitalized [...]

Department of Health: Thirteen New Cases of COVID-19 Reported All 13 of the new positive cases reported today are adult Hawai‘i residents bringing the total number of cases since Feb. 28, 2020 to 499 statewide. Overall travel-related cases have decreased markedly, with continued slight increases in community-associated cases. The 9th death was reported yesterday as a female, O‘ahu resident, 65-years of age or older, who had been hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions. Hawaiicovid19.com LABORATORY TESTING DATA Total Number of Individuals Tested by Clinical and State Laboratories Positive Negative 18,611 497 18,084 30 test results were inconclusive Hawai‘i COVID-19 [...]

Department of Health: Ninth COVID-19 Death Reported A woman, over 65-years-old is the ninth death from COVID-19. She had underlying medical conditions and had tested positive for the virus when she was hospitalized on O‘ahu. The Dept. of Health extends its heartfelt condolences to the friends and family or our latest neighbor to pass from this disease. Twenty (20) adults and one minor (1) are among the new cases of COVID-19 being reported by DOH. Of this number, sixteen (16) are Hawai‘i residents, two (2) are non-residents, and three (3) cases are of unknown residence, pending investigation. Eleven (11) [...]

Governor’s Office: Two Additional Deaths Reported  In response to the news today about two additional fatalities, Gov. David Ige said, “This is another sad day for Hawaiʻi. On behalf of our entire community, I would like to express my condolences to the families and friends of two more of our neighbors who lost their lives to COVID-19. Please accept my deepest sympathy and support during this difficult time.” State Reminding Everyone to Practice Physical Distancing During Easter Weekend With Easter weekend coming up, the state is reminding everyone to remain at home and continue practicing physical distancing. Gov. Ige [...]

Department of Health: DOH Reports Seven (7) New Cases The rate of positive COVID-19 cases remains steady at 2.7% of tests. Seven (7) new cases are being reported, all in adults, for a total number since Feb. 28 of 442 cases. Honolulu saw six (6) additional cases; Hawai‘i Island has two (2) new cases; and Maui has three (3) new cases. LABORATORY TESTING DATA Total Number of Individuals Tested by Clinical and State Laboratories Positive Negative 16,070 440 15,612 18 test results were inconclusive HAWAI‘I COVID-19 COUNTS AS OF 12 NOON, APRIL 9, 2020 County of Diagnosis New Cases Reported [...]

Governor’s Office: Second COVID-19 Death on Maui Under Investigation Investigators from the State Health Dept. are in the process of gathering details about the second Maui resident to pass away from COVID-19. This is an adult male over 65-years-old and is another stark reminder of the human toll this disease is exacting here in Hawai‘i. Governor Ige offered his personal condolences to the friends and family of the man who passed. This brings the total number of deaths from coronavirus statewide to six. Maui Hospital Confirms 15 Employees Test Positive for COVID-19 Maui Memorial Medical Center has confirmed 15 [...]

Governor’s Office: Honolulu Repurposes ‘Ohana Zone Funds for Additional Help for People Experiencing Homelessness Utilizing State ‘Ohana Zone funds, the City and County of Honolulu today announced the rapid deployment of its HONU (Homeless Outreach and Navigation for the Unsheltered) program, which provides short-term shelter and triage services to people experiencing homelessness. Due to the impacts of COVID-19 both the State and the City have recognized the need for more immediate shelter options that implement physical distancing measures. HONU resources are being directed to the City’s new Provisional Outdoor Screening and Triage (POST) facility at Ke‘ehi Lagoon. POST will [...]

Governor’s Office: Governor Ige Extends Condolences to Family & Friends of Two More Who Died Gov. David Ige, today, extended his deepest condolences to the families and friends of the latest Hawai‘i residents who passed away due to COVID-19. The governor said it is with a heavy heart that one of our O‘ahu neighbors passed away on Saturday, and then another tragic loss with the passing of a Maui man. Governor Ige commented, “It is extremely heartbreaking each time we learn of another resident who passes away from this virus. We are reminded daily of the devastating effect [...]