graphic by BIVN

(BIVN) – There were 133 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the State of Hawaiʻi on Saturday. Of that number, twelve(12) new cases were identified on Hawaiʻi island. Five (5) new deaths were also counted statewide.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health says there have been 109 cases of COVID-19 reported on the Big Island in the past 14 days.

On the health department’s zip code area map showing reported COVID-19 cases with onset dates in the past 14 days, only two areas – in Hilo and Kona – indicate totals of over 10 cases:

• 96720 (Hilo) – 22 cases
• 96740 (Kona) – 31 cases

From the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense:

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 twelve (12). Of this five (5) are reported to be travel related. At this date, for Hawaii Island two (2) are hospitalized. A total forty-nine (49) deaths have been reported on Hawaii Island. There have been no fatalities reported in the last three weeks. Mahalo nui loa.

The Coronavirus case count and fatalities continue to dramatically increase across our Nation and are projected to continue ‘til early next year. Do know the extreme seriousness of what is happening in parts of the mainland. Please be aware of the need for extreme care of traveling anywhere on the mainland especially of high volume tourist destination areas. Don’t roll the dice with your health. The news of the vaccine is very good, but please be aware that availability to the general public is still many months away.

Although the Island and State of Hawaii remains as one of the safest places to be in the United States, we need to continue to get better and within policies of distancing, face coverings, and gatherings, stay healthy with exercise, fresh air, sunlight, cleanliness and social connectedness. Do this and Hawaii Island can safely go through the next two or three months in a safe way. You live in a very special place of nature’s gifts and the warmest of people. We can do this.

Thank you for listening and have a safe day and be well. Mahalo nui loa.