graphic by BIVN

UPDATE – (3:45 p.m.) – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health on Sunday reported 78 new cases of COVID-19 statewide. Four (4) of those new cases were identified on Hawaiʻi island.

On the health department’s zip code area map showing reported COVID-19 cases with onset dates in the past 14 days, the following Hawaiʻi island locations have totals of over 10 cases:

• 96720 (Hilo) – 30 cases
• 96783 (Pepeʻekeo) 26 cases
• 96740 (Kona) – 103 cases
• 96737 (HOVE) – 14 cases
• 96738 (Waikoloa) – 23 cases

The health department’s zip code area map has also dropped several “grey areas” that displayed “no data” because the areas had a population of under 1,000. Those low population zip code areas have been incorporated into larger zip code areas. The zip code areas representing numerous small towns along the Hāmākua coast have been combined into two larger swaths (96776 / 96780) and are colored white, indicating there have been no cases of COVID-19 identified in those areas in the last 14 days. Also, a spot in Hōnaunau has been incorporated into the larger South Kona zip code area (96704). The South Kona zip code area is colored light yellow indicating 1 to 10 COVID-19 cases have been identified in residents living in that area in the last 14 days. 

The zip code areas that include Maunakea, Pōhakuloa Training Area and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park remain grey. 

(BIVN) – From the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense radio message:

On today’s update of COVID-19, the number of new active cases, on Hawaii Island, reported and monitored by the Department of Health is four (4). At this date, for Hawaii Island, ten (10) are hospitalized. A total of forty (40) deaths have been reported on Hawaii Island.

Know that the virus is in our community and we must make every effort to stop the spread. Gatherings associated with the upcoming holidays and the evidence that gatherings contribute to the spread of the virus make it more important than ever to follow the preventive measures of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings of no more than 10 persons. Please accept this kuleana to protect our families, friends and community and to make Hawaii Safe.

Know that the preventive measures are mandated by law and will be enforced by the Hawaii Police Department.

On testing for tomorrow, Tuesday, there is a Spot Test scheduled at the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home.