DOH reports 109 new COVID-19 cases

More than 100 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported today, hitting another single-day record.

Today’s total of 109 includes 98 cases on Oahu, nine on Maui, and two on Kauai. The state had been anticipating the increase due to lab closures on Sunday and Monday after Hurricane Douglas.

According to the state, a total of 5,160 tests were processed between yesterday and today. Normally, about 1,000-2,000 tests are processed each day.

“The dramatic increase in cases reported today was anticipated based on recent trends since the Fourth of July weekend, which continue,” state Health Director Bruce Anderson said in a news release. “We are seeing an increase in small and large social gatherings, including gatherings on beaches and in our parks, at homes and in workplaces. We have also recently seen an increase in cases associated with bars, gyms other establishments where physical distancing and masking is not regularly practiced. Based on data collected on cases through our investigations and contact tracing, we are recommending that strategic actions be taken to further restrict activities associated with these cases.”

Venues where multiple clusters have been identified, such as in bars and gyms, will obviously be targeted, he said.

According to the state, multiple household and other clusters have been associated with social interactions such as house parties, beach parties and gatherings, birthday parties, father’s day and Fourth of July gatherings, religious functions, co-workers sitting in prolonged meetings while removing masks to eat or drink, shopping, funerals and socializing at bars.