Today, the Dept. of Health (DOH) reports the death of an O‘ahu man, older than 60, who passed away yesterday. His death is being recorded as the 31st since the pandemic began. (A previously reported death, of an elderly O‘ahu female on 8/5, has been removed from the tally. Her attending physician assessed she likely died from an underlying condition).
Today, DOH is reporting 231 newly diagnosed positive cases of COVID-19, with 223 on O‘ahu, five (5) on Hawai‘i Island and three (3) on Maui.
Health Director Bruce Anderson again extended the sympathies of everyone in Hawai‘i to the family and friends of the 31st person to die from coronavirus in the state, since the beginning of the pandemic in late February. “Unfortunately, with the dramatic surge in cases, we can expect more deaths in the coming weeks,’ said Anderson. Hospitals throughout Oahu are transferring patients and opening up new specialized COVID units to handle the surge in patients that is expected over the next couple of weeks.”
Mayor Caldwell has ordered public park and beaches and other high risk activities closed effective at midnight last night. All O ‘ahu State Parks, off-shore islands, and Ahu o Laka sandbar in Kāneʻohe Bay are also closed. These State and County orders will be strictly enforced.
“Actions taken by the County to limit large, uncontrolled gatherings in public places and prohibit high risk activities should help prevent some of the spread of COVID, but that will not be enough. It is up to all of us to take responsibility for curtailing the spread of this deadly virus. That can only be done if we all avoid close contact with others, crowded places, and wear masks, when physical distancing cannot be reliably accomplished. This weekend and next weekend would really be a good time to simply stay at home,” said Anderson.