Updated: 5/30/2020, 12:02 p.m.
Where we stand
Hawaii recorded three new coronavirus cases again today, the third day running of three cases after a spell of zero or single new cases.
The state health department now reports the number of recorded cases at 651; deaths remain at 17. The case count for Oahu is at 421, Maui County at 119, Hawaii Island at 81 and Kauai at 20. There are 10 cases diagnosed out of state. Some 606 people have been released from isolation.
The state Department of Health again adjusted the case totals, removing one case from the counts after receiving updated testing information.
Survey indicates fewer than half consistently following social distancing rules
A state Department of Health survey shows only 44 percent of respondents are practicing social distancing guidelines all of the time as suggested by government and health care officials. That's despite the 93 percent of respondents who consider COVID-19 very serious or somewhat serious as a health concern.
The state said the study also showed 75 percent of those surveyed thought the virus posed a real danger or threat to themselves or others in their households, according to a news release. Twenty-five percent said they do not feel threatened by the virus, citing such reasons as that they are following CDC guidelines.
Yesterday's Hawaii Updates: 3 New Cases; Ige To Extend Quarantine Past June; 'Travel Bubble' For Hawaii, Japan
There is a difference between Oahu and Neighbor Island respondents. Eighty-one percent of those who live on the Neighbor Islands say they consider the coronavirus to be a serious concern compared to 69 percent of the Oahu residents who were surveyed.
"For our state to fully reopen and start the road to economic recovery, all of our residents must recognize the seriousness of the pandemic and be willing to make necessary lifestyle changes to prevent a second wave of increased cases," said DOH Director Bruce Anderson.
Airport arrivals exceed 1,000 again
Passengers arriving at state airports numbered 1,031 on Thursday, including 300 visitors, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The numbers have been inching up despite the state's 14-day mandatory quarantine for tourists and returning residents.
Other arrivals include 316 returning residents, 140 crew members, 114 military, 54 transiting travelers, 39 exempted from quarantine by the state, and 68 who say they are relocating to the islands.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Editor's note: We’d like to hear how you’re coping with the latest COVID-19 developments and the state's phased reopening. You can call our talkback line at 808-792-8217. Or e-mail us at talkback@hawaiipublicradio.org.
