1 New COVID-19 Case Identified in Kaua‘i County
One new COVID-19 case was identified by the Kaua‘i District Health Office bringing the Garden Island’s cumulative total of cases to 43, county officials announced this morning.
There are currently five active cases.
The new case is an adult resident who had been in quarantine as part of a household with previously identified cases. All active cases remain in isolation and close contacts are in quarantine.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health continues its contact tracing investigation. As new cases arise, close contacts will be identified and notified directly by DOH personnel and offered a test.
After more than 10 weeks of being “COVID free,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said, it was alarming to see the recent uptick in cases on Kaua‘i and across the state. The mayor added that many are wondering how these cases are getting here.
Officials confirm that many of the cases are tied to Hawai‘i residents who traveled to the mainland, unknowingly became infected, then brought the virus home.
“This is one way the disease sneaks back into our community,” Kawakami said.
As a reminder, officials urge all individuals to wear masks in public settings and to practice physical distancing and enhanced hygiene. Avoid the three Cs: closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings.