WAILUKU — The Hawaii State Department of Health on Jan. 7 reported 56 new confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Maui County. Because the vast majority of cases are in households throughout all regions of Maui island, officials in the Maui District Health Office believe the spike stemmed from holiday gatherings.

All cases have been assigned to investigators with results pending.

“Today’s number is certainly concerning, but not unexpected,” said Mayor Michael Victorino. “Our medical advisers anticipated a dramatic surge in cases after the holidays. We are watching the numbers very carefully, but we do hope to see a downward trend toward later this month. In the meantime, we are enforcing existing public health rules and working with Governor Ige to institute some new restrictions.”

In other action, Mayor Victorino has approved additional funding for Maui Police Department officers to continue and increase enforcement of public health guidelines, including mask-wearing and maintaining limits on social gatherings.

On Thursday, the County of Maui delivered 10,000 gloves, 4,000 masks, 100 face shields, hundreds of hand sanitizers, disinfectant cleaning solutions and four infra-red thermometers to Harbor Lights to help contain that cluster.

Feed My Sheep distributed 10,400 pounds of food to residents and Minit Med Urgent Care conducted approximately 250 COVID-19 tests, with nine individuals testing positive.

Hawaiian Airlines sponsored travel for Department of Health translators from Honolulu to provide public health education to residents who do not speak English.

Other community organizations are pitching in at Harbor Lights as well. Maui Brewing Company donated cases of hand sanitizer and United Health Care will donate and deliver diapers. Additional community donations will be gratefully accepted at the security guard shack located near the entrance to University of Hawaii Maui College on Kahului Beach Road (outside of the complex).

The County of Maui is also providing free COVID-19 testing for all Maui residents. No insurance is required, and there is no need to meet any criteria to be tested. For details, or to book an appointment, visit https://www.minitmed.com/pre-register-maui-covid-19

Residents may also phone Maui County’s COVID-19 Hot Line Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except holidays) at (808) 270-7855 for additional information.