The University of the Nations Kona confirmed late Thursday nine cases of COVID-19 at the Kailua-Kona campus.
The school confirmed five “locally contracted” cases among “long term residential staff” and four “travel related cases.”
“Contact tracing is showing that cases amongst long term residential staff were contracted from the ongoing community cases in Kailua-Kona,” a statement from UofNK reads regarding the “locally contracted cases.” “We are in very close and regular contact with the DoH, following all state guidelines and protocols.”
In confirming four additional “travel related cases,” UofNK stated “these cases were isolated immediately, contact tracing performed, and no further spread has occurred. The school added that all incoming personnel are being “rapid tested” and immediately placed in state-mandated quarantine.
UofNK further stated it is following CDC guidelines for colleges and universities and that the school’s operating procedures regarding COVID-19 were submitted to the state Department of Health in August.
“The UofNK places the utmost importance on the safety and care of our Kona community. We are committed to ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone,” the statement reads.
West Hawaii Today is working to confirm other clusters of COVID-19 reported in the Kailua-Kona. The Hawaii COVID-19 Joint Information Center has declined to provide information.
“We don’t disclose individual names of clusters unless we deem it a threat to public health. Many times transmission isn’t confirmed that it is occurring within the establishment, but rather cases occur in workers who were exposed elsewhere,” the center told the newspaper.