The state Department of Health on Friday reported no new COVID-19 cases, the first time since Feb. 28 when the state began testing for COVID-19.
“We have seen a steady decline in new cases over the past several weeks, although today we’re at zero, we want to maintain these declines. As businesses reopen, as people become more active and travel more freely, we will inevitably see an increase in cases,” state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said.
Health experts indicate while Hawaii is fortunate to have this pause, it should be used to reassess response capacity, preparedness plans, and to ensure the state is ready for a second and potentially larger wave of the disease, she added.
Of the cases 629 statewide, nearly 90% — or 566 people — have recovered and been released from isolation, according to the department.
On Hawaii Island, 74 people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since Feb. 28. Just seven people remain in isolation. One person has required hospitalization.
Case totals for Oahu stood at 408 while Maui and Kauai counties remained at 116 and 21, respectively.
Ten of the cases are Hawaii residents diagnosed outside the state of Hawaii.
Statewide, the coronavirus-related death toll stands at 17 — 11 on Oahu and six on Maui.
Hawaii has been under a statewide stay-at-home order since the last week of March to slow the spread of the disease. Since the same week, it has also been requiring all those arriving in the state and traveling between the islands to observe 14 days of quarantine.
Gov. David Ige has relaxed some restrictions, including allowing shopping malls to reopen. They will open their doors on Maui on Monday and on Oahu next Friday.
People have been allowed to go to golf courses and have elective medical procedures as of May 1.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
