The State Department of Health reports 60 new cases of COVID-19, a new high after Thursday’s 55 case count increase.  One case is in Maui County, one case is a Hawaii resident out of state, and the remaining 58 cases are people on O’ahu.  The state’s total case count is 1,549, with 1,148 released from isolation.  The state has had 26 deaths from COVID-19.

In a press conference on Thursday, the question was asked of Dr. Sarah Park whether some of those who died had done so because of their underlying medical conditions, rather than from COVID-19.  Dr. Park said there are known medical conditions which make it far more dangerous for people if they get COVID-19, which include obesity, diabetes, COPD, and other lung diseases, among other things.

Dr. Bruce Anderson and Dr. Sarah Park said some of the O’ahu cases are related to known clusters, but others are new and unrelated…but seem to be resulting from people hanging out with friend, not wearing masks, and not staying apart.  They said as long as that trend continues, the state will see new cases.  Anderson also said at least one Hawaii Island case is related to travel — to O’ahu.

Hawaii County has 117 total cases, with 9 currently active.