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Monday morning, the Department of Health’s (DOH) Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) reported deaths of three more Hawai‘i residents from coronavirus.
Monday, July 13th 2020, 10:59 AM HST
Monday morning, the Department of Health’s (DOH) Disease Outbreak Control Division (DOCD) reported deaths of three more Hawai‘i residents from coronavirus.
One was an elderly Kaua‘i resident, recorded as the 22nd COVID-19 death. This person died out-of-state, in Arizona, where he had been receiving treatment for several months for underlying medical conditions.
The 21st fatality was also reported over the weekend. The woman died in an O‘ahu hospital Sunday morning and had previously been a resident of a care home.
Monday, DOCD confirmed the 20th death as an elderly O‘ahu man with underlying medical issues. His death, which occurred last Tuesday, was added after a review of his health history and discussions with his primary care physician.
“We all extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of these three people,” State Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said. “The best tribute to their lives and to the lives of all 22 people who’ve lost the fight against coronavirus, is getting everyone in Hawai‘i to take personal responsibility for their own health and the health of everyone around them.”
Of the 86 new cases recorded since last Friday, most are in previous clusters associated with “community-spread.”
A total of 44 cases are associated with a Hawaiian Airlines training activity, in which a person infected during these meetings, is linked to a cluster of 20 cases involving two O‘ahu gyms.
“This clearly shows how easily and quickly this virus can spread from person-to-person and from place-to-place when people are not practicing physical distancing, not wearing masks, not staying home when sick, and possibly not washing their hands frequently and thoroughly,” according to State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park.
Saturday had the greatest single-day number of reported cases (42) since DOH began tracking cases in February.
Other clusters, where community-spread is clearly the cause of additional cases, are pau hana gatherings, businesses, urgent care and long-term care facilities, and household clusters associated with social interactions (birthday parties, Father’s Day, 4th of July and religious functions).
“While the majority of Hawai‘i’s residents are using safe practices, clearly there are some who are not, and frankly unless everyone pays attention, we’ll unfortunately continue to see illnesses and deaths associated with COVID-19. Personal responsibility is the way we’ll again flatten the curve and retain Hawai‘i’s leadership through this unprecedented public health crisis. The upward trend of cases not only impacts people’s health but will likely delay our state’s economic recovery,” Anderson said.
