Maui Woman is Hawaii’s 17th Coronavirus-Associated Death

Hawai‘i Health officials today confirmed another kupuna death that may be associated with COVID-19 infection.  Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said, “Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of another valued member of our community. COVID-19 is still a critical issue for everyone in Hawai‘i. Please follow social distancing guidelines and current emergency rules to help protect our most vulnerable people.” 

The Department reports the 17^th death is a woman, over the age of 60, with underlying medical conditions. She had been in the hospital at Maui Memorial Medical Center since late February. Her infection occurred in mid-April.

“COVID-19 is not believed to be the primary cause of death, due to her other serious illnesses, but may have been a contributing factor to her passing,” health officials said in a press release.

With the state’s infection curve flattening, and single digit new COVID-19 cases being reported in the past few days, Anderson and other state leaders caution we must not let our guard down. He said, “With the pending reopening of businesses, we urge everyone to continue doing what they’ve been doing – stay at home, unless it’s necessary to go out, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and wear masks. For now, this is our new normal, in order to protect each other and prevent the spread of the disease.”

Maui Mayor Michael Victorino issued a statement on the news saying, “Joycelyn and I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of another member of our community lost during this difficult time. I continue to ask everyone to care for their loved ones and work together to keep our people safe and healthy. We face many uncertainties in Maui County, but we must always be certain about the compassion and care we have for one another.”

To date, there have been 17 COVID-19 related deaths in Hawaiʻi, including 11 on Oʻahu and 6 in Maui County.

Previous Maui COVID-19 linked deaths include the following:

• Maui reported its first COVID-19 related death on Monday, April 6, of an adult male over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions and exposure to travelers.
• The second Maui death was announced on Wednesday, April 8, and was an unattended death.
• A third death in Maui County reportedly occurred on April 7, but was reported in the state count on Friday, April 10.  The third case involved an elderly individual who was in the chronic care unit.
• The fourth case was confirmed on April 19, and was an adult male from Washington state in the 40-59-year age group who had no previous medical conditions. State health officials say the man’s exposure history may be travel-related.  The man had been hospitalized for an extended period in serious condition at Maui Memorial Medical Center.
• The fifth Maui case occurred on Monday April 20 and involved a man who had underlying health conditions. He had been in the hospital at Maui Memorial Medical Center since late last year.  This person’s death is considered related to the MMMC cluster.