In a Monday update for the press and public, State Health Director Bruce Anderson said that over the July 4th holiday weekend, there were 78 new COVID-19 cases, including 29 cases reported on Friday July 3, 24 cases on Saturday, and 25 cases on Sunday.  And today there were 7 confirmed new cases, 6 on O’ahu and 1 on the Big Island.    The Big Island currently has 7 cases being monitored by the State Department of Health.

Dr. Anderson said most of the recent cases are the result of people not using the appropriate preventative measures — wearing masks as appropriate and not physical distancing.   He cited family gatherings, gatherings at bars, a funeral, Father’s Day parties, card games, and the Hawaiian Airlines training class which has resulted in 12 cases, including 2 family members of HAL employees.

He also said there is a cluster of cases associated with a gym in Honolulu. DOH found the gym did not have the space to properly physical distance, had poor ventilation, and lacked masks for those not exercising. The gym is now closed, and community outreach and testing activities are ongoing.

Governor David Ige and Dr. Anderson said they’d been discussing the COVID-19 uptick in cases with the County Mayors, as the uptick was the result of lax preventive measures.

In an interview with KHON TV, Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim said he felt there was a lack of clarity, that people misunderstood the wording, that people were told they “shall wear a mask,” and he wanted to clarify that it means “you will wear a mask.”

On the Big Island, at least 2 cases are associated with a person with COVID-19 coming in from the mainland, and staying with a relative who was continuing to work and function in the community and then also contracted COVID-19.  Dr. Anderson said those coming in subject to a quarantine should have their own bedroom and bathroom and not share meals with others, even if staying with a relative.

Photo is State Health Director Bruce Anderson.