LIVE COVID-19 UPDATE: Hawai‘i “Starting to See Edge of Community Spread”

Maui Now graphic overlay. Coronavirus image: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS

During an afternoon press briefing, Governor David Ige confirmed that community spread transmission of the COVID-19 virus has begun in the islands.

“We are starting to see the edge of community spread of the COVID-19 virus here in the islands. We are taking unprecedented actions to protect the vulnerable in our community, and ensure that medical resources are available to those who most need them,” said Gov. Ige during an afternoon press briefing related to a proclamation. (Scroll down to view the full length press briefing below).

According to Hawaiʻi News Now and the Honolulu Star Advertiser, a Kualoa Ranch employee with no history of out-of-state travel tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 on Sunday night.

During a question and answer portion of the briefing, Gov. Ige could not provide specifics on the case, saying information will be shared later as it is received.  He did note that he believes the Kualoa case was one that marks community spread, where the individual was infected along with other family members.

In addition there are seven other COVID-19 positive cases in Hawaiʻi including four on Oʻahu, two on Kauaʻi and one on Maui.

Governor David Ige also unveiled a supplemental emergency proclamation dealing with Hawaiʻi’s response to the pandemic.

The governor is joined by Kenneth S. Hara, Director of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency and Hilton Raethel, President and CEO of Healthcare Association of Hawaiʻi.

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