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Hawaii now has 26 cases of coronavirus

NIAID-RML VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS
                                A scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (orange) — also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19—isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells (green) cultured in the lab.

NIAID-RML VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS

A scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (orange) — also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19—isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells (green) cultured in the lab.

Hawaii health officials today have confirmed 10 more cases of coronavirus, including eight on Oahu and two on Maui, bringing the statewide total to 26.

The latest total was disclosed in a teleconference this afternoon with the state Department of Health.

Before the teleconference started, officials reported a total of 22 cases: 14 cases on Oahu, five on Maui, two on Kauai and one on Hawaii Island.

Still, the state insists there is no evidence of widespread community transmission in the islands, contrary to what some Hawaii health care providers have been saying.

“As COVID-19 spreads globally and now nationally, we are detecting more cases introduced into our state by both visitors and residents alike. While we do not yet have an indication of community transmission, these introductions are concerning, and each represents an opportunity for COVID-19 to spread in our state,” Department of Health officials said in an online post today.

“Now is the time for everyone in our community to practice social distancing (i.e., maintain at least 6 ft distance or 2 arm’s length, whichever is longer, from others) to protect especially those who are most vulnerable in our community. If you get sick, please stay home—get rest, drink plenty of fluids, and get better. If you are older or have an underlying medical condition and become ill, call your doctor,” they said.

Health officials reported Wednesday that two Oahu residents who had traveled out of state contracted COVID-19, while another confirmed case of a Kualoa Ranch tour guide earlier this week had not traveled, but had been exposed to travelers daily. One of the two Oahu cases confirmed Wednesday was actor Daniel Dae Kim, who disclosed his positive result today in an Instagram post.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

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