graphic by BIVN

UPDATE – (1:30 p.m.) – There were 101 newly reported cases of COVID-19 statewide as of noon on Thursday, the Hawaiʻi health department reported. One (1) new death was also reported.

On the health department’s zip code area map showing reported COVID-19 cases with onset dates in the past 28 days, the number of cases in the 96740 zip code area of Kona (117) has surpassed the number of cases in the 96720 zip code area of Hilo (97). The following Hawaiʻi island locations have totals of over 10 cases:

• 96720 (Hilo) – 97 cases
• 96749 (Puna) – 16 cases
• 96778 (lower Puna) – 14 cases
• 96740 (Kona) – 117 cases

NOTE: This story will be updated with today’s COVID-19 numbers when they are made available.

(BIVN) – updated – From the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense on Thursday morning:

On today’s update of COVID-19, the number of new active cases, on Hawaii Island, reported and monitored by the Department of Health is fourteen (14).  At this date, for Hawaii Island, sixteen (16) are hospitalized.  A total of thirty-three (33) deaths have been reported on Hawaii Island.  Our condolences to their families and friends.

For your information, follow up testing is scheduled today in North Kona at the University of Nations for students, faculty, staff and close contacts. Mahalo University of Nations and the University’s family in your response and accepting kuleana to stop the spread of coronavirus in our community.  Remember the purpose of testing is to identify positive cases and stop the spread of the coronavirus in our community.  Increased testing will continue throughout the Island.  By getting tested know that you are helping stop the spread of the Coronavirus. As a reminder testing in Waimea scheduled for today is postponed until a later date.

Know that the preventive policies of face coverings, distancing, and gatherings are mandated to help prevent the spread of the virus.  Please accept this kuleana to make Hawaii Safe. 

No new cases were reported at the University of the Nations Kona on Wednesday. 492 tests were completed yesterday.