The United States has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in the world, by far, although experts question whether China has fully reported on the outbreak.

Worldwide cases:  3,063,814    Worldwide deaths:  212,345

U.S. cases:  990,135    U. S. deaths:  56,475

Spain follows with more than 232,000 cases, and Italy has nearly 200,000 cases.  Both countries are beginning to reopen their economies.

As states in this country begin to reopen their economies, experts say testing remains one of the keys to understanding the true COVID-19 trends.  So far, nearly 5.6 million people in the U.S. have been tested to see if they have COVID-19.   Over the weekend, White House COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator Dr. Debra Birx said there are several kinds of tests that must be ramped up to fully understand the virus.  That story is here.

In Hawaii, State Department of Health has confirmed 607 cases, with 16 deaths.  More than 75% of the people confirmed to have COVID-19 have recovered–493.  On the Big Island, 70 have been confirmed to have it, with at least 36 related to the 3 McDonald’s restaurants in Kailua-Kona, and a total of 49 recovered.

The State says the number of tests done in the state so far is 28,260, with 27,632 negative and 23 inconclusive results.   Some tests have been done out of state.  Dr. Bruce Anderson, head of State Department of Health, and Lt. Governor Dr. Josh Green have both said the state is among the best for the lowest per capita cases and deaths,  but that more testing is needed here as everywhere.  The state is working to obtain valid tests (Dr. Bruce Anderson says there are several fly-by-night companies now offering tests) plus more testing supplies.