The Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard for Thursday, August 27, at 5:28 a.m.:

Worldwide cases:  24,234,340 Worldwide deaths: 827,110

U.S. cases:  5,832,581    U.S. deaths: 179,977

According to the Dashboard, the reported worldwide case report increased by 282,438 in the last 24 hours.  Deaths worldwide increased by more than 6,275.   Although cases and deaths continue to grow, they are growing at a smaller daily number than they have over the past couple of months.

According to the Johns Hopkins Dashboard, the United States has added 44,396 cases in the last 24 hours.  In that time,  the number of reported deaths from  COVID-19 increased by 1,219.

In Hawaii as of Wednesday, the total cumulative cases now for Hawaii were 7,260, with 4,430 active cases that the State Department of Health must monitor and contact trace.   Two additional deaths were reported on Wednesday, bringing the death toll from COVID-19 to 51.  In an afternoon press release, State Department of Health said they think the situation on O’ahu is “stabilizing,” despite the fact that O’ahu  added 245 new cases yesterday, and more than 4,000 active cases on that island.

The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, joined Lt. Gov. Josh Green in his evening Facebook post about the pandemic.  The percentage of COVID-19 tests that are positive is now 11%, putting the state in the “red zone,” which is why Dr. Adams is here to spearhead mass testing.   He said it’s important for everybody on O’ahu who can to get tested.

The Big Island has had a surge in COVID-19 cases, with 93 people known to have active infections as of yesterday.  The State Department of Health said two recent large gatherings are of particular concern: a beach gathering and a large funeral. Social media videos from the funeral showed people not physically distancing or wearing masks. More than 500 tests have been reportedly administered to people who attended the funeral with additional testing planned.

Wednesday there were 12 people with COVID-19 in Hilo Medical Center, with 5 in the ICU and 7 in the hospital’s “COVID-19 Pod.”  Two weeks ago, HMC had no COVID patients.

The Federal Government is providing free COVID-19 testing at Pahoa Pharmacy on August 31 and Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  Register for testing there at https://www.doineedacovid19test.com/Pahoa_HI_199.html

There is also testing today, at no charge, at Kawananakoa Gym in Keaukaha from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., or until the line is gone or supplies are gone.  Premier Medical Group is conducting the drive-through testing.