The possible second end of the Corona Virus Free Act of 2021 could be coming to an end… or at least a halt as the Hawaii Community Correctional Center (HCCC) reports it is now officially clear of all inmates COVID cases. HCCC reports the remaining two active inmate cases have been cleared as recovered. There were also 22 negative inmate test results received and 12 negative staff results received. There is just one remaining active positive staff case.

“The Department of Health (DOH) and HCCC’s health care and security staff continue to conduct mass testing at the facility to make sure the virus is contained but hearing the ‘all clear’, as of today, is definitely good news,” said Tommy Johnson, Department of Public Safety (PSD) Deputy Director for Corrections. “I want to thank DOH and our facility staff for working so hard to mitigate (the) spread of the virus and for bringing this outbreak under control. I also want to thank the Kulani Correctional Facility for sending their staff and resources to help alleviate some of the strain caused by this outbreak.”

“Virus introduction into a transient community, such as the jail population, is still a concern, but I’m confident the facilities will continue to be vigilant with their mitigation efforts. I also want to extend a thank you to Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth and State Judiciary Third Circuit Chief Judge Robert Kim for reaching out to PSD to provide assistance. Their support and cooperation was, and still is, instrumental in our efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 virus,” said Max Otani, PSD Director.

COVID-19 testing is continuously being conducted statewide at all facilities. The latest testing results received for other facilities are as follows:

• Oahu Community Correctional Center – 25 negative inmate test results
• Halawa Correctional Facility – 9 negative inmate test results and 11 negative staff results
• Kauai Community Correctional Center – 2 negative inmate test results
• Women’s Community Correctional Center – 1 negative inmate test result

The Department of Public Safety (PSD) continues to encourage all staff and inmates to voluntarily get tested and receive the COVID vaccination. For PSD’s Pandemic Plan and more information on PSD’s planning and response to COVID-19, inmate testing data, and information detailing the efforts made to safeguard the inmates, staff, and public.