US Army in Hawai‘i Now Has Four Positive COVID-19 Cases

PC: US Army Garrison Hawaiʻi (3.21.20) / Facebook

There are now four positive COVID-19 cases in the US Army in Hawaiʻi, officials confirmed.  The four Army cases are among the total 56 cases of COVID-19 confirmed statewide.

The two most recent Hawaiʻi cases include a civilian employee who works at Tripler Army Medical Center, and a civilian employee who works at Wheeler Army Airfield. Upon returning from travel, both individuals developed symptoms and were subsequently tested.

“Army medical professionals are working with the Hawaiʻi Department of Health to determine whether any other individuals have been exposed,” said Col. Tom Barrett with the US Army Garrison in Hawaiʻi who shared the information in a Facebook update.  “Those individuals will be notified and receive appropriate follow-up,” he said.

“Our intent is to continue to be as transparent as possible,” said Col. Barrett, saying the Army will continue to provide updates as they become available.

The US Army in Hawaiʻi is currently at US Health Protection Commission Level “Bravo.” The next level, should the protection be increased is “Charlie.” At that increased level, any decision to open, close or make changes on the installation, “would be made deliberately and carefully,” said Col. Barrett, and will not be made without notification.

The US Indo-Pacific Command leadership is monitoring the situation and would make determinations based on local risk level and in coordination with local and state agencies.

“These are without a doubt, challenging times; however, as an Army family, we’re no strangers to challenges.  We will rise to meet them as we always have,” said Col. Barrett, asking all to focus on what can be done.