Kona hospital reports final COVID-19 test results; just one positive among 548 people tested

Just one of the 548 COVID-19 tests conducted on Kona Community Hospital staff and affiliated employees, physicians and contractors last week returned positive for COVID-19, officials said Monday afternoon.

The single positive test result was a worker from out of state who previously had COVID-19, but had recovered and was symptom-free for more than the required 10-day period.

“This worker was cleared for work by the Hawaii Department of Health,” a press release from the facility read.

On Saturday, the hospital announced that all but three of the 548 tests administered on Thursday had been returned negative for the virus. The three outstanding tests required additional review, and on Monday the hospital reported two were negative and one was positive.

Kona Community Hospital held the mandatory on-site COVID-19 testing clinic on Thursday for all staff and affiliated employees, physicians and contractors working on campus after three employees tested positive for the virus.

On Saturday, a pop-up testing clinic to screen hospital families, visitors and discharged patients as well community members concerned about potential COVID exposure was held at the West Hawaii Civic Center. All 108 people who were tested at the drive-through testing site were negative for COVID-19.

“Testing will continue through at least Friday, July 24.” said Interim Chief Nurse, Stephanie Irwin. “We’re very happy with the initial testing results. But, to account for an incubation period, we have more testing to do to assure staff and the community that the hospital is COVID-free.”

Today, all staff providing direct patient care will be retested because they are considered high risk. On Friday, all hospital personnel, affiliated staff, providers and contractors will be tested again.

Depending on results from those tests, additional testing may be conducted on July 30.

The hospital still has a no visitor policy in place with exceptions for OB, pediatrics and those receiving end-of-life care.