Is Oahu heading back to a lockdown?

197 new cases of COVID-19 infections yesterday, 90 today and 5 more dead. This is a serious development for Oahu, and specifically for Oahu.

Mayor Kirk Caldwell yesterday blamed the outbreak to a situation in a prison. The sliding system in place for the County of Honolulu may slide the island into another lockdown, if this situation cannot be immediately brought under control.

The Halawa Correctional Facility (HCF) on Oahu received more inmate and staff test results.

The Halawa Correctional Facility (HCF) received more inmate and staff test results. Of the 413 inmate test results received, 99 were positive, 313 were negative and one (1) inconclusive. There were seven (7) more reports of positive staff cases. That brings the total active positive cases to 167 inmates and 28 staff. The positive inmates are in medical isolation. All positive staff are following CDC and DOH self-quarantine guidelines. As a precautionary measure the HCF warden implemented facility-wide isolation and quarantine protocols on Thursday.  

“The security and medical staff are working around the clock to safeguard the staff and inmates and keep the virus from spreading. We are seeking alternative resources to assist staff with the management of this situation,” said Max Otani, PSD director.  

The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting contact tracing. HCF staff were notified and encouraged to contact their health care providers if they have questions about possible exposure. Staff are already in full personal protective equipment (PPE) and are regularly reminded to practice all CDC/DOH health safety measures, including wearing a face covering, frequent hand washing, social distancing, sanitizing common spaces frequently and practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission.  

For more information on PSD’s planning and response to COVID-19, inmate testing data, and information detailing the efforts made to safeguard the inmates, staff and public, click here