The Public Information Officer for City and County of Honolulu is disputing the State Department of Health’s initial statement that 11 people at Honolulu Hale likely contracted COVID-19 because of a potluck.   In a press release earlier today, the Department of Health said “An employee potluck at Honolulu Hale is a potential transmission source for 11 cases of illness among City and County of Honolulu workers.”   That statement is also on Gov. David Ige’s Facebook page.

PIO Alexander Zannes said in a text message, “According to our records it was not the source. DOH relayed to us that a potluck was a possible source of transmission, however we have found that to not be the case. The event we assume they were referring to did not result in any positive cases. Also everyone ordered bentos that were separated from one another, people wore face masks, and were directed not to gather.”

A subsequent release from DOH said “Honolulu Hale is a potential transmission source for 11 cases of illness among City and County of Honolulu personnel, primarily involving workers in a single office. DOH is still investigating. “

Photo is Alexander Zannes, City and County of Honolulu Public Information Officer, courtesy City/County of Honolulu.