DOH: 445 new COVID-19 cases reported statewide, 81 on Big Island

The state Department of Health today reported 445 new confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, including 81 new infections on the Big Island.

An average of 421 new cases have been reported daily Sept. 15-21.

Hawaii County now has a 5.7% test positivity rate compared to a 5% positivity rate statewide.

In the past 14 days, 270 infections have been reported in Hilo and 282 have been reported in Kailua-Kona.

During that same time period, 51 cases have been reported in Waimea; 51 cases in the Captain Cook, Ocean View and Honaunau areas; 107 in Pahoa; and 86 in Keaau.

Twelve additional deaths also were reported today.

According to the DOH, the deaths were of a Hawaii Island woman, 30-39; a Maui man, 40-49; a Maui woman over 80; six Oahu men, ages 30 to over 80; and three Oahu women, ages 60 to over 80.

All 12 individuals were hospitalized and had underlying health conditions.

According to the DOH, 67% of Hawaii’s population has now been fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus and 75.4% have received at least one dose.

In Hawaii County, 64% of residents are fully inoculated while 75% have received at least one dose.

A partial list of vaccination sites can be found online at bit.ly/BigIslandvaccines

Testing is available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. today at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo, noon to 2 p.m. at the Pahala Community Center in Pahala, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Kalani Oceanside Retreat Center, 12-6860 Kalapana-Kapoho Road, Pahoa.

More testing opportunities can be found online at bit.ly/HawaiiCOVIDtesting.