LIVE: Gov. Ige Offers Condolences as Hawai‘i Reports Its First COVID-19 Death

https://www.facebook.com/GovernorDavidIge/videos/247648943055409/

Governor David Ige today offered condolences to the family of an individual, as the state reported it’s first death linked to the COVID-19 virus.

The individual passed away last night and was identified as an older adult male resident of Oʻahu who was hospitalized with multiple medical issues and did have a positive COVID-19 exposure, according to state Health officials.  The presumptive positive result came back from a private lab.

The state also received its first positive result from surveillance testing. Dr. Bruce Anderson with the state Department of Health says the of the estimated 380 samples taken statewide through March 24, there is confirmation that there is localized community spread to at least a limited extent on the island of Oʻahu.

As of noon on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, there are 224 cases of COVID-19 identified in Hawaiʻi with 20 new cases. Maui has no new cases for a total of 25 confirmed positive.

Of the cases statewide, 6% have required hospitalization, and over 80% were residents returning from other areas.

Today’s press conference comes ahead of tomorrow’s start of a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine for interisland travelers.  A quarantine order for travelers from outside of Hawaiʻi went into effect on Thursday, March 26, 2020, until further notice.

Those who must travel to perform an essential function, including those providing and seeking medical care, will have to fill out and sign an Interisland Declaration Form, wear appropriate protective gear – primarily masks, and follow all social distancing requirements.

The neighbor island quarantine mandate takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wed., Apr. 1. Violations of this order could result in a misdemeanor with fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to one year in prison, or both. If you have questions about whether your travel is essential, please e-mail CovidExemption@hawaii.gov

Gov Ige photo courtesy Hawai’i Department of Health/ Joint Information Center. (file 3.30.20)