The Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard for Wednesday, October 14, at 5:24 a.m.:

Worldwide cases: 38,275,349    Worldwide deaths:  1,088,051

U.S. cases: 7,864,910   U.S. deaths:  216,060

According to the Dashboard, the reported worldwide case report increased by 380,897 in the last 24 hours.  Deaths worldwide increased by 5,850.

According to the Johns Hopkins Dashboard, the United States has added 53,509 cases in the last 24 hours.  In that time,  the number of reported deaths from  COVID-19 increased by 809.

The total number of COVID-19 cases for the state is now 13,514, with around 2,560 active cases. The State is reporting 173 deaths.  For more detail about the state, click here.

Hawaii County has 974 total cases and approximately 212 active cases. The island has had 37 deaths.

Tomorrow, Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program for trans-Pacific travelers begins.  Incoming travelers who take an approved test 72 hours in advance of their departing Hawaii flight and present a negative result upon arrival, may avoid the still-mandatory 14-day quarantine on all islands except the Big Island.

Those coming to the Big Island, landing at Kona, Waimea, or Hilo airports will be required to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival.  If negative, they may avoid quarantine.  The second test only applies to travelers coming in from the mainland, and the 14-day interisland quarantine remains in effect.

The Mayor and Civil Defense Administrator will appear before the County Council today at 1 p.m. to explain the travel plans, as Council members’ offices and the Mayor’s office have been flooded with calls about the announcements.