202 new COVID-19 cases, death toll now 38

The state Department of Health reports 202 newly diagnosed cases of COVID-19.

Of those new cases, 197 are on Oahu. Hawaii Island and Kauai each had two additional cases, while Maui reported one.

There are four additional deaths from coronavirus-related causes, bringing the statewide death toll to 38. All are Oahu men.

The deaths of two of the men, both over 60, were reported yesterday but included in case counts today. The third and fourth deaths reported today are men 40-59 years old, at least one of whom had underlying health conditions.

Investigations into all of the deaths are ongoing.

Community spread of the coronavirus, particularly on Oahu, continues to be the primary cause of new infections.

There are multiple clusters of infections, including five distinct restaurant clusters. However, each involves a few employees at single locations, and no transmission to customers has been identified at this time. An employee potluck at Honolulu Hale is a potential transmission source for 11 cases of illness among City and County of Honolulu workers.

State Health Director Dr. Bruce Anderson said, “The important factor to keep in mind is, community-associated infections continue to be the responsible for the surge in COVID-19 cases in the past week and a half. The virus is transmitted though droplets, and that’s why wearing masks and distancing is so important. We must all continue these and other safe practices.”