KCH Confirms New COVID-Related Death, HMC Designated as Monoclonal Antibody Clinic Site

Kona Community Hospital confirms one new COVID-related death as of Monday, Sept. 6, bringing the death toll at the facility up to 15.

Additional health care workers, funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency, were sent to KCH and Hilo Medical Center in August. Both facilityʻs will be welcoming additional FEMA-funded personnel this week.

As of Tuesday, Sept. 7, KCH is treating 14 COVID patients; four in the ICU and 10 in the hospital. One of the patients is on a ventilator. Hospital officials say none of the individuals being treated are vaccinated.

HMC continues to operate beyond capacity, especially in the Intensive Care Unit. The hospital currently has 33 patients, 27 who are unvaccinated and six who are vaccinated. Four of COVID patients are on ventilators.

HMC officials are evaluating surgeries for medical necessity.

HMC is expected to bring on five additional FEMA-funded personnel for a total of 29 helping staff and caring for the community. Additionally, the Hilo facility has been designated as a FEMA-funded monoclonal antibody (MOAB) clinic site, expected to open in the latter part of next week. More information will be provided on the clinic as it becomes available.