Kaua‘i Reports Largest Single-Day COVID Total With 16 New Cases

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported 16 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, May 1. All 16 cases are adult Kaua‘i residents whose source of infection is considered community-acquired.

Health officials’ investigations this week have also determined that multiple clusters of disease transmission were traced back to two Kaua‘i restaurants.

“A number of our recent new COVID cases spent time at Rob’s Good Times Grill in Līhu‘e and/or Troy’s Bar in Līhu‘e between April 16 and 29, and we have evidence that disease transmission took place,” said Dr. Janet Berreman, Kaua‘i District Health Officer. “If you were at Rob’s Good Times Grill or Troy’s Bar from Friday, April 16 through Thursday April 29, you may have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, and we encourage you to get tested as soon as possible.”

According to the Department of Health, individuals who were infectious with COVID-19 also attended the ‘Ekolu Mea Nui drive-in concert at Vidinha Stadium in Līhu‘e on April 24 and the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort Brunch Babes show in Kapa‘a on April 17 or 18. While COVID-19 guidelines were in place at both events, individuals who attended any of these performances should consider being tested if they develop symptoms or are concerned.

Testing is available Sunday, May 2, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Wilcox Medical Center in Līhu‘e. For more information, visit WilcoxHealth.org.

Free testing at the Convention Hall is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival at the test center, you will receive an appointment time to return later in the day. Appointments are given on a first come, first served basis. There is a maximum of 350 appointments a day.

Testing is also available through your primary care physician, a hospital, or an urgent care clinic. Contact those providers directly for more information.

If you have symptoms or are feeling sick, you should isolate immediately, stay away from household members, and do not go out – including to work or school – unless you are seeking testing or to get health care. Those who have been vaccinated should still be tested if you believe you may have been exposed or if you feel sick.

All businesses are working closely with health officials for further guidance on health protocols, and are continuing to work with their employees and encouraging all to get tested.

“We would like to thank the community for your quick response to get tested, and we especially thank these businesses for their cooperation and willingness to work together to prevent further transmission of this disease,” said Dr. Berreman.

“I am also grateful for our business community and those taking the right steps to protect the health and safety of our people,” said Mayor Derek Kawakami. “We know what needs to be done to stop the spread of this virus. Please wear your mask, avoid large gatherings, get tested if you’ve been exposed, and get vaccinated if you’re able.”

Vaccination is free and widely available on the island, including on weekends and evenings. For details, visit www.kauai.gov/vaccine. Those who plan to travel can protect themselves and their families by being fully vaccinated before traveling.

Saturday’s cases bring the number of active cases to 66, with 315 cumulative cases. Kaua‘i’s cumulative case count includes 278 confirmed locally, two probable, and 35 positive cases diagnosed elsewhere, as they received their pre-travel test results after arriving on island. All active cases are in isolation and close contacts are being identified, directed to quarantine, and offered testing.

For more information on the county’s COVID-19 response, visit www.kauai.gov/COVID-19. 

For more information on the state’s COVID-19 cases or the state’s Safe Travels program, visit hawaiicovid19.com.