Maui County reports coronavirus cluster among hospital staff

Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino said Wednesday says a cluster of COVID-19 cases has been identified among hospital staff at Maui island’s only hospital.

Victorino said Maui Memorial Medical Center employees have been sent home to self-isolate. He said plans are being made to isolate the workers at a quarantine site away from their families.

Officials did not say how many employees have tested positive.

The mayor said the county is working with the state and Maui Health Systems to accelerate testing for more hospital workers.

Maui County has recorded 54 positive cases of the disease caused by the coronavirus. Statewide, there have been 435 cases including 25 newly reported Wednesday. Forty-two people have required hospitalization.

Maui Health System said its staff members have been trained in the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols to safely care for COVID-19 patients. The organization said it has safety precautions and equipment in place to safely care for patients.