The State Department of Health announced Friday evening that an elderly man in Hawaii has died due to COVID-19.  This brings the state’s death toll from the novel coronavirus to 18.  The last known death in the state from COVID-19 was reported on May 3.

Governor David Ige expressed condolences, and he and State Health Director Bruce Anderson both emphasized that it is critical for everybody to wear masks when near other non-household members, stay at least 6 feet away from others even when wearing a mask, and continue to practice frequent hand washing and keep surfaces clean.

The State DOH released results of a survey that said people are becoming more lax in their attitudes and behaviors, and that people who considered the virus as a very serious health concern, fell from 73% to 54% in less than two months.

Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said in an earlier news release, “We cannot interpret the reopening of businesses, restaurants, parks and other places, as a license to let our guards down. It is more important than ever to adhere to prevention measures we know work.”

The State has had 866 cumulative cases, low by most standards, but added 17 cases yesterday and has seen a gradual rise in cases, especially on O’ahu.