The state Department of Health on Saturday reported 231 newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19 with 223 on Oahu, five on Hawaii Island and three on Maui.
In addition, the department reported the state’s 31st coronavirus-related death. The man, who was older than age 60, died Friday, according to the COVID-19 Joint Information Center.
A previously reported death of an elderly Oahu woman on Aug. 5 has been removed from the tally after her attending physician assessed she likely died from an underlying condition.
Health Director Bruce Anderson again extended the sympathies of everyone in Hawaii to the family and friends of the victim.
“Unfortunately, with the dramatic surge in cases, we can expect more deaths in the coming weeks,” said Anderson.
Hospitals throughout Oahu are transferring patients and opening up new specialized COVID units to handle the surge in patients that is expected over the next couple of weeks, according to the center.
Since Feb. 28, Hawaii has recorded a total of 3,346 cases of COVID-19. Oahu has reported 2,964 cases while Maui County has recorded 184 cases, Hawaii County 128 and Kauai County 47. Twenty-three residents have tested positive while out of the state.
Of the Hawaii residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, 1,511 of those cases have since recovered and been released from isolation. That includes 115 of the 128 known cases on Hawaii Island.
Statewide, 237 patients have required hospitalization, including four on Hawaii Island.
Of the 31 deaths reported among Hawaii residents, 22 were on Oahu, six were on Maui and one was a Kauai resident receiving treatment in Arizona at the time he died.
