27 coronavirus cases gives Hawaii new daily spike record

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 an churches re-open.

On Thursday, there were 18 cases reported. The highest daily number of cases Hawaii has seen since the outbreak began was 34. The number of people who have died remained unchanged at 17.

“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.”

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.