COVID-19 death on Oahu brings state total to 19

The Hawaii Department of Health reported Saturday the state’s 19th COVID-19 death.

An elderly adult on Oahu, who was hospitalized with multiple underlying health issues, was the latest coronavirus-related death in the state. Gov. David Ige expressed his condolences to the family and friends for their loss.

“Every COVID-19 death is an emotional reminder of the need for all of us to be vigilant and wear a face covering when outside our homes, physically distance ourselves from others and wash hands frequently,” Ige said. “It’s about protecting each other and allowing the state to reopen safely. We all have a stake in this and now is the most critical time to wear a mask.”

“As the state continues to reopen businesses and rebuild the economy, controlling the spread of COVID-19 will be the key to moving forward,” said state Health Director Bruce Anderson. “Controlling the spread of the virus requires everyone to wear a face covering whenever they are out and avoid crowded places, closed spaces and close contact with those outside of their household.”

The DOH also reported an additional 29 new positive cases Saturday, bringing the statewide total to 975 cases.

There were 25 new cases diagnosed on Oahu, two on Maui, one new case on the Big Island and one case was out of state. At least five cases represent three new events and possible clusters.

The new case in Hawaii County brings the Big Island’s total to 91. As of Friday, 86 of those cases have been released from isolation and only three have required hospitalization.

Cases on Oahu are from various areas including Honolulu, Kailua, Mililani, Pearl City, Wahiawa, Waialua, Waianae, Kaneohe, Waimanalo and Waipahu.