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CDC VIA AP
This undated photo provided by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows CDC’s laboratory test kit for the new coronavirus.
Editor’s Note: This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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The Hawaii Department of Health today released the new statewide tally, which jumped from 37 on Friday to 48 today as dozens of Maui medical professionals urged Hawaii and county officials to order an immediate state lockdown.
Below are today’s numbers:
>> Honolulu’s 28 cases from Friday grew to 35
>> Maui’s five cases from Friday increased to seven
>> Kauai’s numbers stayed steady at 3
>> Hawaii island’s one case from Friday increased to 3
>> Three individuals have been hospitalized
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami today issued a new emergency rule, directing all Kauai County bars and clubs to shut their doors unless they offer drive-through, takeout and delivery services.
“This is not intended to be a strong show of law enforcement, but rather an effort to get everyone – both residents and visitors — to follow known guidelines regarding social distancing,” Kawakami said today.
Earlier in the week, Mayor Kirk Caldwell ordered all Oahu restaurants and bars to close except for takeout, drive-through and delivery to help combat the spread of the coronavirus.
With the recent closures, Hawaii health officials said in an email they were concerned with a stigma developing against visitors to Hawaii.
“As COVID-19 spreads globally and nationally, we are detecting cases introduced into our state by both visitors and residents alike, although >80% of our cases are among returning residents from mainland as well as international locations. At least one of the newly identified cases has no known travel or contact with travelers,” the email said. “This is the first indication of community spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii and highlights the importance of social distancing (i.e., maintaining at least 6 ft distance or 2 arm’s length, whichever is longer, from others). Social distancing can reduce the spread of disease and protect those who are most vulnerable in our community.”
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone practice social distancing of about 6 feet as the virus can spread through respiratory droplets from infected individuals when they sneeze or cough.
“If you get sick, please stay home—get rest, drink plenty of fluids, and get better. If you are older or have an underlying medical condition and become ill, call your doctor,” according to the statement.
Meanwhile, the Army today confirmed a Schofield Barracks soldier tested positive for coronavirus — the U.S. military’s first case in Hawaii.
Eleven new cases, including a child, were confirmed Friday.
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