Hawaii has recorded three more deaths due to the COVID-19 outbreak, bringing the statewide total to 22.
The state Department of Health reports an elderly Kauai resident died out of state, in Arizona, where he had been receiving treatment for several months for underlying medical conditions. He was the state’s 22nd fatality.
The 21st fatality also was reported by the DOH over the weekend. A female died in an Oahu hospital Sunday morning and had previously been a resident of a care home.
The DOH also confirmed the 20th death, which occurred on July 7, was an elderly Oahu man with underlying medical issues. His death was added after a review of his health history and discussions with his primary care physician.
“We all extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of these three people,” State Health Director Bruce Anderson said in a written statement. “The best tribute to their lives and to the lives of all 22 people who’ve lost the fight against coronavirus, is getting everyone in Hawaii to take personal responsibility for their own health and the health of everyone around them.”
Most of the 86 additional cases recorded since last Friday are in previous clusters associated with “community-spread,” according to the DOH.
For example, a total of 44 cases are associated with a training activity at Hawaiian Airlines, in which a person infected during these meetings, is linked to a cluster of 20 cases involving two Oahu gyms.
“This clearly shows how easily and quickly this virus can spread from person-to-person and from place-to-place when people are not practicing physical distancing, not wearing masks, not staying home when sick, and possibly not washing their hands frequently and thoroughly,” said Dr. Sarah Park, the state epidemiologist.
Saturday had the greatest single-day number of reported cases (42) since DOH began tracking cases in late February.
Other clusters, where community-spread is clearly the cause of additional cases, are pau hana gatherings, businesses, urgent care and long-term care facilities, and household clusters associated with social interactions (birthday parties, Father’s Day, 4th of July and religious functions), the DOH said.
“While the majority of Hawaii’s residents are using safe practices, clearly there are some who are not, and frankly, unless everyone pays attention, we’ll unfortunately continue to see illnesses and deaths associated with COVID-19,” Anderson said. “Personal responsibility is the way we’ll again flatten the curve and retain Hawaii’s leadership through this unprecedented public health crisis. The upward trend of cases not only impacts people’s health but will likely delay our state’s economic recover.”
