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Hawaii officials urge residents to stay at home as COVID-19 cases near 400

Drive through testing in Hawaii
Source: Hawaii News Now

Honolulu, HAWAII — Hawaii reported its fifth COVID-19 death Monday while the total number of cases statewide grew by 16 to 387. As of Sunday, there have been over 13,500 coronavirus tests conducted statewide by private and state labs and in drive-thru testing sites being held around the state.

The fatality reported Monday was the first on Maui. Authorities said the patient was an older man with underlying health conditions.  All previous deaths from the virus have been on Oahu.

In announcing the death, Maui Mayor Mike Victorino urged Hawaii residents to continue following the state’s stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of the disease.

Gov. David Ige also said that stricter measures could be taken if residents don’t follow the rules.

“We need to stop the spread. We need to stop it now,” Ige said, in a news conference.

Added Lt. Gov. Josh Green: “We are not out of the woods yet. Every time a party occurs, please know that is a selfish thing to do. That is how the virus can continue to spread.”

The comments — apparently in reference to a small but stubborn contingent that continues to flout stay-at-home mandates — came on the same day that Hawaii reported its fifth COVID-19 death.

Meanwhile, there were 17 new cases of the virus reported in the islands, bringing the statewide total to 388.

Read more at Hawaii News Now