New COVID-19 Case Linked to Inter-Island Travel, Mayor Says

One of the new COVID-19 cases identified on Kaua‘i has been linked to inter-island travel, Mayor Derek Kawakami reported during a daily briefing this week.

During Wednesday’s COVID-19 daily briefing, Kawakami said the two new cases reported by Hawai‘i Department of Health brings Kaua‘i’s total to 47. Four cases are currently active. Those individuals are in isolation and their close contacts are in quarantine.

Both new cases involved adults. The first was a resident who had contact with an inter-island traveler, who tested positive for the virus when they returned home. The second case was a resident who recently returned from mainland travel.

“This is the first time we’ve seen a Kaua‘i case directly linked to inter-island travel,” Kawakami said. “It is a good reminder that any off-island travel poses risks, especially as cases across the state and nation continue to rise.”

The mayor reiterated that now is not the time for leisurely travel.

“Only travel if you must,” he said.

As of Wednesday, the state had 624 active COVID-19 cases. The DOH reported 109 new cases on Wednesday, shattering previous single-day record totals. As a result of the surge, Gov. David Ige is in talks with all county mayors about reinstating some restrictions to keep the spread of the virus at bay.

Kawakami already reinstated gathering restrictions, reducing indoor gatherings from 50 people to 10.

Ige is also having mayors look at the re-closure of bars and restricting gatherings at beaches and parks.

A statewide COVID-19 case update will be reported today at noon.