Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Oahu records 2nd coronavirus-related death of City and County of Honolulu employee

A second Honolulu city employee died this week from complications related to COVID-19, two weeks after the city recorded its first coronavirus-related fatality.

“The city is extremely sad to report the recent passing of a second employee after contracting COVID-19,” Tim Sakahara, Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s spokesman told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family, loved ones and coworkers of the employee. As we share in their grief, we continue to urge all eligible people to get vaccinated to help fight this pandemic.”

No close contacts within the city workplace were identified as being at risk and no employees were asked to isolate or quarantine as a result of this case, according to Sakahara.

There are about 10,300 county workers. As of Sept. 3, city officials said, 8,829 employees have been vaccinated.

From March 20, 2020, through August, 377 city employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

County workers had until Aug. 23 to get vaccinated or face potential disciplinary action including termination.

The city is reviewing 890 requests for exemptions but Blangiardi has said his administration intends to honor the medical and religious requests of employees.

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