Coronavirus in Hawai‘i: 16 New Cases and the State Reports Fifth COVID-19-Related Death

Your daily update of everything you need to know surrounding COVID-19 on April 6.

The state total is now 387, up 16 (15 adults and 1 child) since Sunday. That includes 11 new cases on O‘ahu, one each on the Big Island and Kaua‘i and Maui counties, and two pending cases. State health officials confirmed the fourth COVID-19-related death on Saturday and the fifth (the first on Maui) today.

 

More than 14,000 tests have been administered statewide, most of which were done through private labs. Hawai‘i Health Department Director Bruce Anderson says the state is expected to receive new rapid test kits this week and more in the coming weeks. The state has also formed a team that will test health care providers, paramedics, firefighters, police officers and others working on the front lines who are exposed to COVID-19.

 

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority reported that 583 people arrived in the Islands yesterday. That includes 126 visitors and 233 residents. The Hawai‘i National Guard began assisting with medical screenings today at Daniel K. Inouye and Hilo international airports. Gov. David Ige says the national guard should be stationed at the other state airports—Kahului, Līhuʻe and Ellison Onizuka Kona International—by the end of the week.

 

Ige and other state officials urge the public to wear cloth or other masks when going out. Anderson warns that the masks are not a substitute for social distancing but are good for added protection. 

 


SEE ALSO: Meet the Designers and Local Businesses Making Face Masks for Hawai‘i’s Brave Essential Workers


 

A new website launched today to coordinate mental health and homeless services, in partnership with state and local agencies. For more information, go here.

 

If you were laid off due to COVID-19 and need health care, you may qualify for special enrollment through healthcare.gov.

 

The Hawai‘i Health Department has a hotline for anyone who needs domestic violence support and help. Call (808) 531-3371 or text (605) 956-5680 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If outside normal hours, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. For more information, click here and here.

 

Read more stories by Jayna Omaye