The state Department of Health has reported 60 new cases of COVID-19 today, the highest single-day count since the DOH began tracking cases in February.
The state Department of Health has reported 60 new cases of COVID-19 today, the highest single-day count since the DOH began tracking cases in February.
One case was reported on Maui and 58 are on Oahu. One case is a Hawaii resident diagnosed outside the state.
It is the second day in a row that the single-day record has been broken. The state reported 55 new cases Thursday.
“We’re concerned that this relatively high level of cases is persisting on Oahu,” state Health Director Bruce Anderson said in a news release. “Some of the cases we’re reporting today are associated with existing clusters, known cases and household spread, but others are new, unassociated cases that indicate increasing community spread. In contact tracing, we continue to identify cases connected with gatherings or just hanging out with close friends. Until we all recognize the importance of physically distancing from people outside of their households and wearing masks, we face the prospect of even higher numbers.”
State epidemiologist Sarah Park said in the news release the DOH is bringing on additional contact tracers to assist with investigations and contact tracing.
“As we have over 400 contact tracers now trained to augment existing staff resources, we have sufficient reserves for that purpose,” she said. “Nevertheless, contact tracing and testing alone will not control the spread of COVID-19. Everyone needs to adhere to the safe distancing recommendations and wear masks when near others. That is the only way we as a community are going to prevent the spread of this very infectious disease.”
Today’s cases bring the statewide total to 1,549.
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