A spike in COVID-19 case numbers on Sunday were largely due to a cluster of 17 Honolulu cases all associated with attending a funeral. Intensive contact tracing identified the cases quickly, testing was conducted, and all are in isolation. Contact tracing also identified six cases in Leeward Oahu associated with known clusters, and all of the cases are in isolation.
A spike in COVID-19 case numbers on Sunday were largely due to a cluster of 17 Honolulu cases all associated with attending a funeral. Intensive contact tracing identified the cases quickly, testing was conducted, and all are in isolation. Contact tracing also identified six cases in Leeward Oahu associated with known clusters, and all of the cases are in isolation.
In addition to the 23 Oahu cases, the Department of Health reported two new Kauai cases associated with a known cluster reported last week, one case on Maui, and a case on Hawaii Island with travel to Georgia.
With the new case, Big Island’s total is at 87 cases, with 84 released from isolation as recovered. Two Big Island cases have required hospitalization.
“It’s important to celebrate life and share life events, whether it’s remembering someone who has passed or gathering with others in practicing a common faith, and doing so safely will protect our loved ones and the entire community,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park, chief of the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division. “Safe practices including physical distancing, wearing of masks, and frequent hand washing are critically important during these times.”
“These recent cases are local examples of how this virus has no bounds. It spreads easily from place-to-place, island-to-island, state-to-state,” said Health Director Bruce Anderson. “We all need to continue to take personal responsibility and take steps to protect ourselves and our community.”
