There are now four samples awaiting shipment for testing of coronavirus at the Hawaii State Lab.
That’s the latest information from Department of Health Epidemiologist Dr. Aifili John Tufa.
At Sunday’s briefing at the Emergency Operations Center it was reported that only two samples were awaiting shipment to Honolulu for testing.
Three were recent travelers from affected areas and one is a local resident who was exposed to a recent traveler, said Dr. Tufa.
He didn’t give the breakdown on the male/female make of the group and declined to give travel dates because “it may identify the individuals.” He said the symptoms of the four individuals which resulted in them being tested included fever, cough and one had chills and myalgia or muscle pain.
When asked if the four are hospitalized or at home the epidemiologist said he cannot comment on this as of yet.
With Hawaiian Air flights suspended KHJ News asked how the swabs will be sent to Honolulu for testing. He said it’s anticipated that the samples will be sent to the Hawaii State Lab tomorrow, but did not say how.
KHJ News understands that the swabs will be taken on the FEMA flight that is bringing COVID-19 supplies. It was originally announced that the plane would arrive today but it’s now scheduled to be here tomorrow.
The four samples will bring to 7 the total number of swabs sent off island for COVID-19 testing.
The first three were negative for the deadly virus.
Dr. Tufa shared this advice: *Our community needs to be reminded that the virus is spread from person to person via droplets which can survive several hours in the air and on surfaces for several days.
“This means that we (as human beings) are the agents for the virus. The virus wants to survive and it will survive in the human body if it’s transmitted from an affected person to an unaffected person.
To stop the virus from spreading we as human beings need to be responsible and prevent this from reaching other people.”
Dr Tufa continued, “If you know that you have developed symptoms such as a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, do the responsible thing and stay home. Isolate yourself and call DOH at 633-5871/5872 and a nurse will follow-up with you.
“We’ll come out and determine if you need to be hospitalized or be isolated at home. We also need to heed the Home Quarantine protocols set by DOH. Whether or not we have a Health Crisis on island depends on how responsible we act once the virus gets here or identified.”
The DOH Epidemiologist pleaded, “Lets work together to stop this virus on its tracks. By acting responsibly, we as a community will save lives. ”
