The Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard for Thursday, October 15, at 5:24 a.m.:

Worldwide cases: 38,620,496    Worldwide deaths:  1,093,921

U.S. cases: 7,927,975   U.S. deaths:  217,155

According to the Dashboard, the reported worldwide case report increased by 345,147 in the last 24 hours.  Deaths worldwide increased by 5,870.

According to the Johns Hopkins Dashboard, the United States has added 63,065 cases in the last 24 hours.  In that time,  the number of reported deaths from  COVID-19 increased by 1,095.

The daily cases of COVID-19 in the US are increasing at a slightly higher rate than in the past month.

The total number of COVID-19 cases for the state is now 13,674, with approximately 2,608 active cases.  The State Department of Health is reporting 183 deaths from COVID-19.

The Big Island’s total count is now 992, with around 219 active. The island has lost 38 people to COVID-19,

For more detail about the state’s COVID-19 situation, click here.

Today, 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 rapid 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.

Mayor Harry Kim said in a County Council emergency meeting on Wednesday that Trans-Pacific travelers who refuse to take the second test are subject to arrest.