27 coronavirus cases give Hawaii new daily spike record

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s Department of Health reported 27 new cases of coronavirus Friday, the largest single-day increase since April in what officials say is an expected spike as places such as restaurants, gyms and churches re-open.

The new cases bring the number of people who have tested positive statewide to 789. The number of people who have died remained unchanged at 17.

On Thursday, there were 18 cases reported. The highest daily number of cases Hawaii has seen since the outbreak began was 34.

“The majority of new cases reported over the past week are associated with community clusters in large households with crowded conditions, adult care and long-term nursing facilities, and with a church group,” the state said a statement announcing Friday’s cases. “One faith community in Waipahu, having gatherings in a home, has prompted health authorities to reiterate safe practices for people being together in crowded conditions.”

At least one new case and potentially five others still under investigation are associated with that Waipahu gathering, state officials said. They say there may be as many as 35 recent cases associated with the gathering.

Five of the new cases were from adult care homes on the same property in Waianae, officials said.

Friday’s total includes a Kauai man county officials announced on Thursday had tested positive. It was Kauai’s first new case since early April.