The Hawaii State Department of Health says there are 18 new cases of COVID-19, all diagnosed on O’ahu.  That brings the State’s case count to 762 cumulative cases.

The Hale Nani Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on O’ahu now has 10 cases–8 in residents, and 2 staff members.   After the outbreak began several days ago, Hale Nani brought in Dr. Scott Miscovich and Premier Medical Group to do mass testing of the 250 residents and 550 staff.  The outbreak began with one staff member being ill.   This reinforces that COVID-19 is highly contagious.

Up until last week, Hawaii has had only one case in a nursing home, that one being on Maui and the patient having contracted COVID-19 while a patient at Maui Medical Center, which had a cluster of more than 50 cases.

Nationally, around 40% of the deaths from COVID-19 have been in nursing homes.  In Hawaii, the bulk of the cases have been in those 59 and under, but in those 60 and older, around 30% have had to be hospitalized.  That’s a concern if COVID-19 starts spreading in senior living facilities or nursing homes.

There is also one current known case of COVID-19 in the State Capitol.  State House Speaker Scott Saiki issued a press release Thursday morning that said:

“On Wednesday evening, June 17, my office was notified that a staff member of the House Majority Staff Office (HMSO) received a positive COVID-19 test result.  The staff member and all HMSO staff were immediately excused to work from home.

“The House of Representatives is working closely with Dr. Sarah Park and the Department of Health (DOH) on contact tracing of HMSO employees.”

The State Senate and the State House are scheduled to reconvene next Monday, June 22.

Hawaii Island has 2 known active cases, according to the State Department of Health.  One person previously required hospitalization, and the state’s report as of yesterday added one person who has had to be hospitalized.

Statewide, the death count is still at 17.

Below is the island-by-island noon report: