The Big Island’s COVID-19 case count continues to grow, with 26 new cases reported Friday, bringing Hawaii County’s total to 279 since the start of the pandemic.
According to data from the Hawaii District Health Office, there were 95 active cases on the Big Island as of Friday afternoon.
The state Department of Health announced there were 265 new cases statewide, bringing Hawaii’s cumulative total to 7,830.
Mayor Harry Kim said there were 17 individuals hospitalized with the virus at Hilo Medical Center, including three in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Premier Medical Group will provide additional COVID-19 testing on the Big Island from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. today at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo and Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School in Waikoloa Village.
The Hilo site will be in the Ohuohu Street parking lot, across from the Macy’s menswear department wing.
No insurance is necessary to be tested, but residents are advised to bring an insurance card if they have one. Face coverings and social distancing are required at the site.
For more information, call Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency at 935-0031.
KTA Super Stores announced Thursday that an administrative associate at its Puainako office tested positive for COVID-19.
“Due to our precautionary measure instituted at the beginning of the pandemic, this associate, as well as others, have been working from home for the past several months,” the grocer wrote in a Facebook post. “This associate had no direct contact with customers and very limited contact with KTA administrative associates.”
The employee is quarantined, and out of an abundance of caution, KTA hired a professional cleaning company to deep-clean, sanitize and disinfect all necessary areas.
And in West Hawaii, a Kealakekua restaurant was forced to close for a day after violating the state’s COVID-19 guidance.
The state DOH Food Safety Branch said Friday it issued a red placard to Anahkahna Inc., doing business as The Korner Pocket Bar and Grill, after responding to complaints about the violation of physical distancing and face mask use protocols for restaurants and bars.
During an Aug. 19 investigation, one employee was observed not wearing a face covering and tables were not spaced 6 feet apart.
The DOH issued copies of the state’s guidance for the reopening of restaurants and a warning letter.
The owner and operator was also informed that further violations of the DOH guidance would result in the issuance of a red placard and mandatory closure.
A red placard was issued during a follow-up investigation Aug. 24, and the restaurant was immediately closed after two employees were observed not wearing face coverings in the kitchen.
According to the DOH, a green placard was issued and the restaurant reopened the next day after a follow-up inspection.