The state identifies COVID clusters on Oahu linked to an indoor concert, at the wedding reception

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state Department of Health on Thursday released a new report that sheds light on two recent COVID cluster investigations in July, one of which consisted of an indoor concert and the other a reception of wedding.

The state said 23 cases of COVID were associated with a concert at an Oahu bar. Sixteen of the cases were among employees, band members and concert attendees. Only four of those who tested positive were completely vaccinated.

Seven other household members also tested positive. None of these individuals were vaccinated.

The state said not only was the concert held indoors in a crowded environment, but the band members performed while they were sick, and none of them were vaccinated.

This cluster has also been linked to two other clusters, including another concert and a workplace.

Another cluster featured in the report was associated with a wedding reception at an indoor Oahu banquet hall.

Of the 28 people who attended, 12 tested positive for COVID. Four of these people were completely vaccinated.

The other five positive cases in the cluster were among household members.

One of the deadly victims of COVID was related to the reception, health officials said, and that person was not vaccinated.

Most people who tested positive experienced mild to moderate symptoms.

The state added a member of the wedding party and that person’s spouse had COVID symptoms and exposed the bride and groom during the wedding rehearsal, which took place at the same venue.

One person, who tested positive later, reported that he had traveled to Las Vegas before the rehearsal, but did not attend the wedding or reception after presenting with symptoms.

Attendees said there was a false sense of security, as everyone knew each other, so wearing masks was inconsistent and there was little social distancing.

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