LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office Sunday reported two additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total number of active cases to 16, and the cumulative total of cases to date to 37.
LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office Sunday reported two additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the county’s total number of active cases to 16, and the cumulative total of cases to date to 37.
The two new cases involve a third household, but were identified and tested as a result of the DOH’s contact tracing of the original case.
All 16 cases are currently in isolation, and all close contacts of those cases are in quarantine.
The DOH announced 23 new virus cases on O‘ahu Sunday. The statewide total reached 899 cumulative cases reported since February.
In a Sunday news release from the Hawai‘i COVID-19 Joint Information Center, officials said the spike in the numbers is largely due to 17 Honolulu cases all associated with attending a funeral.
Intensive contact tracing identified the cases quickly, testing was conducted, and all are in isolation. Contact tracing also identified six cases in Leeward O‘ahu associated with known clusters, and all of the cases are in isolation.
“It’s important to celebrate life and share life events, whether it’s remembering someone who has passed or gathering with others in practicing a common faith, and doing so safely will protect our loved ones and the entire community,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park, chief of the DOH Disease Outbreak Control Division.
“Safe practices including physical distancing, wearing of masks and frequent hand washing are critically important during these times, and especially when we are with others outside of our daily household,” she said.
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Jessica Else, editor-in-chief, can be reached at 245-0457 or jelse@thegardenisland.com.
