Mass COVID-19 testing of inmates is being conducted at Kulani Correctional Facility on the Big Island and Halawa Correctional Facility on Oahu, the Department of Public Safety said Monday.
The testing is being done by DPS health care workers in conjunction with the state Department of Health, according to a DPS statement.
Kulani, which is about 20 miles southeast of Hilo on the slopes of Mauna Loa, has had one staff member test positive, according to DPS. That individual is listed as an active case. No inmates at the minimum-security prison have tested positive. The order of the facilities next in line for testing is still being worked out. The test results are anticipated to take up to three days to receive. DPS also is working with the DOH and the Hawaii National Guard to coordinate the testing of correctional officers and staff.
Hawaii Community Correctional Facility in Hilo reported its first positive test over the weekend, and the department said Monday the case remains active and the inmate is isolated. No other cases have been reported in the jail.
Waiawa Correctional Facility on Oahu was the first to undergo mass testing, and as previously reported, all 229 inmate tests at WCF were negative. Of the 98 staff results were received, 97 were negative and 1 was positive.
According to DPS, the outbreak at the Oahu Community Correctional Center is contained. There are no new positive results to report for staff or inmates, and no inmates are currently hospitalized.