10 new COVID cases reported Tuesday on the Big Island

The state Department of Health on Tuesday reported 57 new COVID-19 cases.

Of those, 10 were reported on the Big Island, 35 on Oahu, eight on Maui and four were residents diagnosed outside Hawaii.

Hawaii County’s test positivity rate is 1.9%, compared to a statewide positivity rate of 2.4%.

According to Hawaii County Civil Defense, three people were hospitalized on the Big Island as of Tuesday. The island’s death toll remains at 49 and there have been no fatalities reported in the past four weeks.

“Do know the extreme seriousness of what is happening in parts of the mainland,” Civil Defense said Tuesday. “The news of the (COVID-19) vaccine is very good, but please be aware that availability to the general public is still months away.

The agency added that while Hawaii Island and the state remain some of the safest places to be in the U.S., “we need to continue to get better and within policies of distancing, face coverings and gatherings, (and) stay healthy with exercise, fresh air, sunlight, cleanliness and social connectedness.”

“Do this and Hawaii Island can safely go through the next two or three months in a safe way,” the agency said. “Let each of us accept this kuleana to keep Hawaii safe.”