Another dozen Hawaii Island residents tested positive for COVID-19, increasing the island’s total case count to 1,938, state health officials reported Tuesday.
The 12 new Hawaii Island cases were among 124 new cases reported across the state by the Department of Health bringing the statewide case tally to 22,168 since Feb. 28. Oahu reported 74 new cases while Maui County reported 21 and Kauai one. Four residents were diagnosed while outside the state.
Hawaii County has a 2.2% test positivity rate, under the statewide rate of 3.5%.
“The coronavirus case count continues to increase within the State of Hawaii and many celebrations and gatherings were observed during the recent Holidays that may further contribute to the spread of this virus. It is especially important, as we move into the New Year, to continue following the preventive policies of face coverings, distancing, and limiting gatherings to no more than ten people to reduce any spike of coronavirus cases related to the Holidays,” Civil Defense wrote in its Tuesday alert. “Additionally residents and visitors who have traveled outside Hawaii need be especially cautious due to the levels of coronavirus outside of Hawaii.”
Statewide, 115 people were hospitalized Tuesday, including two on Hawaii Island, neither of whom was being cared for at Kona Community Hospital. To date, 1,817 people have required hospitalization, including 102 on Hawaii Island.
No new coronavirus-related deaths were reported Tuesday by the state. Of the 289 coronavirus-related deaths confirmed and reported by the state to date, 224 were on Oahu, 17 were on Maui, 45 were on Hawaii Island and one on Kauai. Three deaths were among residents outside the state.
Hawaii County Civil Defense reported no new deaths on the island, leaving the toll at 51. The state has yet to confirm seven of the deaths reported to date on Hawaii Island.
The island’s COVID-19 fatality rate remained at 2.3% on Tuesday, above the statewide rate of 1.3%.
