graphic by BIVN

(BIVN) – There was only one newly identified case of COVID-19 in the State of Hawaiʻi reported on Monday. The case appears to have been identified on Hawaiʻi island, which brings the cumulative total number of cases on the Big Island to 75 (74, according to the county, which also acknowledged the new case in this morning’s radio message).

“63 have been cleared as recovered with the remaining 11 quarantined at home and monitored by the Department of Health,” Mayor Harry Kim said in the civil defense update. “At this date, for Hawaii Island no one is hospitalized.”

The daily COVID-19 cases by ZIP Code Tabulation Area map published by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health today shows that at least one recently identified case has been associated with the 96726 zip code, an area of South Kona that includes Honaunau.

Food Drop Tuesday in Keaʻau

According to Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense:

A food drop-off will be conducted at the Keaau High School, tomorrow May 5th. Thank you to the multitude of people and organizations that contributed to make this statewide program possible. Thank you, Police and National Guard for helping.

Updates from Governor David Ige

Governor Ige Expresses Condolences for Family & Friends of 17th Victim

Calling it “another reminder of how deadly this disease is, and the way that COVID-19 continues to hurt our community,” Governor Ige expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the latest Hawai‘i resident to fall victim to coronavirus. He said, “Nevertheless, things are getting better every day. The numbers continue to look very good. With only one new case announced today, we are confident that we have flattened the curve.” The governor indicated that testing capacity remains strong and hospital capacities are very manageable. This means, the governor said, “With these kinds of numbers we are looking to further ease restrictions and will continue our phased approach to re-opening our local economy.”

Continued Social Distancing, Sanitation & Safety Guidelines Remain Necessary

Governor Ige said with some non-essential businesses reopening (florists, certain real estate service, car dealership, automated and mobile service providers, golf courses, and services provided on a one-on-one basis), everyone must remain vigilant. He thanked everyone who has started patronizing these businesses and reminds us that all safety guidelines outlined in his emergency proclamation need to be followed, as a second wave of COVID-19 cases could mean some mandates may have to be reinstated.

Good Economic News

Characterizing the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program (PPP) as a critical lifeline for Hawai‘i’s small businesses, the governor said SBA is taking applications for a second round of forgivable loans. 11,500 companies and organizations have already received $2 billion from the program. Second round applications began last week and as of May 1, more than 7,700 additional small businesses in Hawai‘i have been approved for more than $400 million in forgivable loans.

Hawaiʻi Passenger Arrivals By Air

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority reported a small uptick in visitor arrivals on May 3rd:

Yesterday, 759 people arrived in Hawaii including 228 visitors and 268 residents. During this same time last year, nearly 30,000 passengers arrived in Hawaii daily, including residents and visitors. The state’s mandatory 14-day self-quarantine started on March 26th for all passengers arriving in Hawaii from out of state. The quarantine order was expanded on April 1st to include interisland travelers. This table shows the number of people who arrived by air from out of state yesterday and does not include interisland travel.

This story is being updated.