(Kaunakakai, Molokaʻi) – Maui Mayor Mike Victorino, Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English (Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe) and Representative Lynn DeCoite (D-East Maui, Moloka‘i, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe and Molokini) announced tonight that a second case of COVID-19 was confirmed today on Moloka‘i.
After the first case was confirmed earlier this week from an employee of the Friendly Market Center, Victorino, English, and DeCoite worked with the market’s owners to facilitate testing for all employees. The second positive test came out of that round of testing.
As a result, Friendly Market Center will remain closed until April 20 and employees are going into self-isolation.
Mayor Victorino said: “I have been notified that test results for a second individual have returned positive on Molokai. The individual is an employee of Friendly Market Center and is in self-isolation. I have been told that all employees at Friendly Market Center have immediately self-quarantined and that the store will be closed until April 20.
Unfortunately, this situation was a strong possibility after the first individual, who also is a store employee, tested positive on Molokai. House Rep. Lynn DeCoite, Sen. J. Kalani English and I have all been working with the local businesses to help sanitize their buildings and surrounding areas. I want the residents of Molokai to know that we will make sure that services and goods will continue to arrive to the island. My primary focus is to maintain essential supplies for Molokai and ensure their health and safety.
Senator English said: “By facilitating immediate testing on island and getting the results processed on O‘ahu the next day, we were able to identify a second positive case at the store and take steps to reduce further spread. The Friendly Market will close for 14 days. We are working to ensure the other stores in Kaunakakai have sufficient food and resources for island residents.”
Representative DeCoite said: “Tonight we were made aware of the second confirmed case on Molokaʻi. The person is another employee of Friendly Market. Now, more than ever it is important that we all comply with the County and State Stay at Home Orders. We know this is in the Moloka‘i Community. The way we kokua one another is to STAY AT HOME! It is ALL of our responsibility to STOP THE SPREAD by staying home! I know we are all scared and want information. For now, STAY AT HOME. Only send one person to get groceries and supplies for your household. Moloka‘i, we are strong, we are resilient and right now is our chance to show the rest of the state how we can come together by complying with all of the county and state recommendations to protect everyone in our community!”