HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-25KauairesidenttestspositiveforCOVID19followingvoluntaryposttraveltest
THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: October 25, 2020
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
SARAH K. BLANE, CHIEF OF STAFF
Tel (808) 241-4900
Fax (808) 241-6877
Kaua‘i resident tests positive for COVID-19 following voluntary post-travel
test
LĪHU‘E – The Kaua‘i District Health Office today reports that a Kaua‘i resident has tested
positive for COVID-19 after voluntarily taking a post-travel test from the County of Kaua‘i.
The new case is an adult male resident who recently returned home from the mainland
and received a quarantine exemption by testing negative prior to flying to Kaua‘i, through the
State of Hawai‘i’s Safe Travels program. He is now in isolation, and one close contact is in
quarantine.
The resident volunteered to take the county’s post-travel test that is currently being
offered for free to all returning transpacific travelers who are Kaua‘i residents. To be eligible for
the county’s free post-travel testing program, residents must have participated in the state’s pre-
travel testing program and are asked to take the post-test no sooner than 72 hours after arrival.
“The county’s post-travel testing program adds another layer of protection for our
community, and we are thankful that this resident was responsible and considerate to
participate on his own accord,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “Although it’s not required,
we encourage everyone – residents and visitors – to take a post-test especially if you have
recently traveled out of state.”
“We know COVID-19 can cause mild or no symptoms in some people, and exposure can
happen when traveling,” added Dr. Janet Berreman, Kaua‘i District Health Officer. “Getting a
free test three or more days after you return from travel is a responsible thing to do to keep our
community safe and healthy. Mahalo to all of the travelers who have been tested.”
This brings Kaua‘i’s current active cases to one, with six individuals in quarantine.
Investigation of the most recent case is ongoing. Kaua‘i’s cumulative total of cases to date is
now 61, and one probable case.
For local updates and information about the county’s post-travel testing program, visit
the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency website at www.kauai.gov/COVID-19.
Kaua‘i’s most recent case will be reflected in Sunday’s statewide count, which is posted
daily at noon at hawaiicovid19.com.
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