Maui Surge Largely Attributed to Post-Holiday Community Spread; Harbor Lights Cluster Rises to 84

56 New COVID-19 Cases in Maui County Largely Attributed to Post-Holiday Community Spread

The 56 new COVID-19 cases in Maui County today are being attributed in large part to post-holiday community spread, according to county officials who consulted with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health.

“Because the vast majority of cases are in households throughout all regions of Maui island, officials in the Maui District Health Office believe the spike stemmed from holiday gatherings,” according to a press release issued by the Office of Maui Mayor Michael Victorino.

All cases have been assigned to investigators with results pending.

There are four COVID-19 clusters identified in Maui County including one each linked to bars and restaurants; the largest involves social gathering; and one at a gym setting. The state’s latest report for Maui is posted here.

“Today’s number is certainly concerning, but not unexpected,” said Mayor Victorino. “Our medical advisers anticipated a dramatic surge in cases after the holidays. We are watching the numbers very carefully, but we do hope to see a downward trend toward later this month. In the meantime, we are enforcing existing public health rules and working with Gov. Ige to institute some new restrictions.”

Earlier this week, Officers with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources closed access to Puʻu Olaʻi “Little Beach,” at Mākena State Park, to terminate “large, irresponsible gatherings” there.

Mayor Victorino also approved additional funding for MPD officers to continue and increase enforcement of public health guidelines including mask-wearing and maintaining limits on social gatherings.

Nine More COVID-19 Positive Cases at Harbor Lights, Brings Cluster to 84

This morning, the County of Maui reports workers delivered 10,000 gloves, 4,000 masks, 100 face shields, hundreds of hand sanitizers, disinfectant cleaning solutions and four infra-red thermometers to Harbor Lights to help contain that cluster.

Feed My Sheep distributed 10,400 pounds of food to residents and Minit Med Urgent Care conducted approximately 250 COVID-19 tests today with nine individuals testing positive. That brings the cluster at Harbor Lights to at least 84, as 75 cases were tallied by Wednesday afternoon.

Hawaiian Airlines sponsored travel for DOH translators from Honolulu to provide public health education to residents who do not speak English.

The county reports that other community organizations are pitching in at Harbor Lights as well. Maui Brewing Company donated cases of hand sanitizer and United Health Care will donate and deliver diapers tomorrow. “Additional community donations will be gratefully accepted at the security guard shack located near the entrance to University of Hawaiʻi Maui College on Kahului Beach Road (outside of the complex),” according to the release.

Testing Available Free of Charge; Online Registration Offered

The County of Maui is also providing free COVID-19 testing for all Maui residents. No insurance is required, and there is no need to meet any criteria to be tested. For details, or to book an appointment, visit https://www.minitmed.com/pre-register-maui-covid-19

Residents may also phone Maui County’s COVID-19 hotline Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., (except holidays) at (808) 270-7855 for additional information.