Hilo Medical Center has reported 2 new deaths at its facility in members of the community.  That brings the death toll on the island from COVID-19 to 34, which includes 5 community members, 27 who were residents at Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, and 2 people who were residents at Life Care Center of Hilo.

Although Hilo Medical Center has released no specific information about those who died, New West Broadcasting was informed by a friend of one of those who passed away that he was a 67-year-old man who was healthy prior to contracting COVID-19.  He is believed to have contracted the virus from young, asymptomatic children.

Hilo Medical Center has 9 patients with COVID-19 in its facility.  Kona Community Hospital as of this morning had 4.  North Hawaii Hospital has not reported how many, if any, patients it has with COVID-19.

The complete update from Hilo Medical Center, which includes information at Yukio Okutsu Veterans Center.

HILO MEDICAL CENTER UPDATE (as of 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2020)

• 9 total COVID-positive patients are hospitalized: 2 in ICU, 7 in COVID Unit
• Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Facility is now considered COVID-free. Admissions to resume shortly.
• 5 total community deaths related to COVID-19 occurred at the hospital on Sept. 8 and 18, Oct. 4, 6 and 7

o   2 deaths related to COVID-19 to report today that happened in the last 24 hours in the hospital. We offer the families our deepest sympathies.

 

YUKIO OKUTSU STATE VETERANS HOME UPDATE (as of 2:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, reported by Avalon Healthcare, the veterans home’s managing company)

• Good news: There are no changes at the veterans home. Surveillance testing of staff and residents ongoing.
• A total of 71 residents and 35 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 in this outbreak
• 45 residents are currently at the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home
• 0 residents are receiving care for COVID in the home
• 2 residents are hospitalized at Hilo Medical Center
• 27 total resident deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred
• 42 residents and all 35 employees have recovered

Death summary:

• 34 total deaths related to COVID-19 have occurred – 27 from the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and 5 community at the Hilo Medical Center, and 2 from Life Care Center, per website.