No Cases of Corona Virus Confirmed in Hawaiʻi, Health Department Reports

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. A novel coronavirus virus was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. PC: Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM. Content provider: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is continuing to gather facts and interview individuals based on limited information about a Japanese visitor who travelled to Hawaiʻi from Jan. 28 to Feb. 7 and after returning home to Japan, tested positive for COVID-19. The adult visitor began experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms without fever on 2/3/20 while traveling on Oahu. DOH immediately began an investigation to identify possible close contacts and determine health risk.

To date, no individuals with prolonged close contact have been identified in Hawaiʻi. Casual contacts who are not at risk have been interviewed and are not in need of monitoring based on current federal guidelines.

According to the department, all of the people identified are either low or no risk, and no one is required to be monitored under public health supervision related to this situation.

The process of tracking possible close contacts is ongoing, and DOH is working closely with state, federal, and international partners.

Currently, there are no cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaii. DOH is actively preparing for possible cases and working with state, county, and federal partners including the medical community and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COVID-19 Summary of Numbers as of Feb. 16, 2020
(updated as new information becomes available)

Confirmed: Meets CDC criteria and positive test result received from a certified laboratory.

Person Under Investigation (PUI): Meets CDC criteria for investigation and testing pending.

Quarantine: Individuals are required to remain in a designated location and separated from others. They are actively monitored by Department of Health staff. Quarantine is enforceable by law.

Monitoring: Individuals voluntarily remain at home and refrain from work, school, gathering places, and public transit. They communicate daily with Department of Health staff.