LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported Kaua‘i’s fifth fatality from COVID-19 and announced 26 new cases on Friday.
The fatality was a male Kaua‘i resident in his 80s who was hospitalized.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of this individual,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami. “It has been a painful month for many in our community. We carry in our hearts those we have lost as we continue our response and fight against this terrible disease.”
Health officials are also urging riders of The Kaua‘i Bus who rode the Route 100 or 200 line between Kekaha and Lihu‘e during the afternoon or evenings of Aug. 10, 11 or 12, to get tested, as they may have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case.
In addition, health officials are alerting anyone who attended the informal gathering fronting the Historic County Building lawn on Rice Street in Lihu‘e on Aug. 9 that they may have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case and should get tested.
“We are making these announcements today to reach as many people as quickly as possible,” said Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman.
“If you rode this bus line during the exposure dates, or if you were at the gathering on Rice Street, please get tested,” she said.
“If you are experiencing symptoms, please seek health care immediately and notify your health care provider. Getting tested will help you take action to avoid spreading disease to others.”
Friday’s cases are one
visitor and 25 residents. Of the 26 cases, four are children and 22 are adults. Two of the cases are related to mainland travel. The remaining 24 cases are considered community-acquired.
Fourteen of the community-acquired infections are close contacts of previously announced cases or are tied to one of the active clusters. The remaining 10 community-acquired cases have no known source of infection.
All active cases are in isolation, and close contacts are being identified, offered testing, and directed to quarantine. Investigations are ongoing.
Friday’s cases bring the number of active cases to 210, with two hospitalized, and 1,039 cumulative cases. Kaua‘i’s cumulative case count includes 985 confirmed locally, eight probable, and 46 positive cases diagnosed elsewhere, as they received their pre-travel test results after arriving on island.
Daily case counts continue to rise rapidly despite the DOH’s efforts to perform comprehensive case investigation and contact tracing.
Anyone testing positive should take action immediately even if not yet contacted by the DOH: isolate at home and let those you’ve been in contact with know that they’ve been exposed. Close contacts should quarantine and plan to be tested.
For more details, visit kauai.gov/covidtest. For more information on the county’s COVID-19 response, visit kauai.gov/COVID-19.
