Watch: University of Nations Kona Provides Update on COVID-19 Cluster on Campus

[Update: 7:20 p.m.]

The University of the Nations Kona (UofNK) confirmed no new cases have at the campus in the past two days.

Additionally, UofNK confirmed that Mayor Harry Kim has asked the Department of Health to test all of campus staff and students on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. In addition to the safety standards the university has already been operating under, they will also operate at a stay-at-home level with only essential workers allowed on campus.

“We are working together with the DOH to review all of our safety protocols and procedures,” officials stated.

There were no new cases on Sunday or Monday, October 4-5. However, due to a record discrepancy over the weekend, there were 22 active cases on campus and 8 active cases off-campus reported on Saturday, Oct. 3.

All of these individuals remain in quarantine and are being closely monitored and only minor symptoms
have been reported.

“We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation to Mayor Harry Kim, State Officials, and DOH for their assistance to quickly and efficiently test our entire community,” University officials stated. “We are committed to caring for our Island Ohana by collaborating closely with all authorities.”

[Original: 3:44 p.m.]

University of Nations in Kona (UofNK) spoke with Big Island Now reporter Tiffany DeMasters about the current conditions on campus after a COVID-19 cluster was identified last week.

Johnny Gillespie, spokesperson for UofNK, confirmed the case count is now 30, however, there have been no new cases since Sunday. Twenty-two cases are on campus and eight others were identified among staff off-campus. All staff and students are in self-isolation and the university is working with the Department of Health to test everyone on site.

Fore more details, watch the video above.