The number of COVID-19 cases in the state continues to rise again as the state Department of Health reported 27 new COVID-19 cases today, the highest number in a day since April 2.
The total number of reported COVID-19 cases in the state is now 789.
All but two of the new cases were on Oahu, which now reports 551 cases.
The remaining two were on Maui and Kauai, whose counts are now at 121 and 22, respectively.
Hawaii County’s total remains at 83 cases with 81 released from isolation as recovered. Two Big Island case required hospitalization.
Hawaii’s statewide case total includes 12 residents diagnosed outside the state.
The statewide death toll from coronavirus-related illness remains at 17, with 11 on Oahu and six on Maui.
The number of statewide cases requiring hospitalization is 96.
There have been 642 cases statewide that have been released from isolation as recovered, according to DOH.
In a statement, state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said the majority of the new cases this week are associated with localized clusters caused by large groups in close proximity, such as in adult care and long-term nursing facilities.
“These clusters really emphasize our call for the continuation of safe practices, including physical distancing, using face coverings, frequent hand washing, and staying home and away from others when sick,” Park said. “Virtually all of the newly reported cases of COVID-19 are due to community-spread, often from a group setting.”
Park added that there is no evidence that the increase in cases is a result of ongoing protests against police brutality, but strongly encouraged physical distancing and the use of face masks “when people are engaged in practicing First Amendment rights.”
Department of Health Director Bruce Anderson said the department’s testing and contact tracing procedures are working as intended.
“This is the critical time, with this week’s resumption of interisland travel and the anticipated re-opening of other air travel at some point in the future, for all of us to act with care, to protect our loved ones, particularly our kupuna, and to continue physical distancing, face masks, and all of the safe practices that have now become our new norm…at least for now,” Anderson said in a statement.
