DOH reports seven new COVID-19 cases on Big Island

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Two people wearing masks walk across Lili‘uokalani Gardens on Wednesday in Hilo.
Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald A shop owner talks about her locally-made products to a customer while both wear masks Wednesday at Hilo Farmers Market.
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The state Department of Health on Wednesday reported seven new cases of COVID-19 on the Big Island, bringing the total number of cases on the island since the start of the pandemic to 2,392.

According to data from the DOH, 25 cases have been reported in Hilo in the prior 14 days. Another 16 have been reported around Keaau and 29 in Kailua-Kona during the same time period.

One cluster of seven cases was reported in the department’s March 18 cluster report.

Those cases were identified in an unspecified “other occupational” setting, which can include offices, retail establishments and first responders. It is unclear where on the Big Island that cluster was located.

Fifty-eight new cases were reported statewide Wednesday, including 24 on Oahu, 22 on Maui, one on Kauai and one on Molokai, and three residents were diagnosed outside the state.

Three new deaths — a man 70-79 and woman older than 80 on Oahu and a man 50-59 on Maui — also were reported Wednesday, bringing the total number of COVID-related deaths in Hawaii to 457.

More than 558,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have so far been administered statewide. The state has ordered 773,610 doses and received 716,290.

According to the DOH, 24% of Hawaii residents have received at least one vaccine dose.

In Hawaii County, 73,891 doses have so far been administered. About 24.2% of residents have received at least one dose and 13.6% have received two doses.

Queen’s North Hawaii Community Hospital administered its 10,000th COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday.

According to a news release, Bryan Lindsey received his second Pfizer dose and was the 10,000th patient in the Waimea hospital’s vaccine clinic.

“This is an important milestone for our community and in our nation’s fight against COVID-19,” said QNHCH President Cindy Kamikawa. “We are thrilled that we have been able to provide protection against COVID-19 through the vaccine to so many in our community.”

QNHCH continues to schedule vaccinations for those who are 65 and older and those 16-64 who are at the highest risk, consistent with DOH guidelines.

Vaccinations are by appointment only. To request an appointment, email QNHCHvaccine@queens.org and include your name, date of birth, phone number and employer if you are an essential worker, or call 881-4668.

Community COVID-19 testing will be conducted in three locations Saturday: from 8 a.m.-noon at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, 1-5 p.m. at Keaau High School and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at West Hawaii Civic Center in Kailua-Kona.