Pang: Virus cluster at Lahaina eatery

Patrons of The Dirty Monkey on Aug. 22 are urged to isolate

Maui District Health Officer Dr. Lorrin Pang said there is a cluster of COVID-19 cases from exposures last week at The Dirty Monkey Restaurant in Lahaina.

During a news conference Monday afternoon, Pang said that anyone who visited the establishment Aug. 22 could be "highly exposed" and "highly susceptible" to COVID-19. He said there are currently six cases related to the cluster, with another case pending.

"One of them brought it in, and everyone else got it," Pang said. 

Normally, the Health Department does not disclose commercial sites of outbreaks, but Pang said the establishment's owner wanted everyone to be informed. 

If someone went there, "can you please stay away from society," Pang said.

He added that they should get tested, monitor their symptoms if sick, isolate and treat themselves as if they have coronavirus. Pang noted that people infected with COVID-19 may feel better and go out too soon when still contagious.

On its Facebook page, The Dirty Monkey Restaurant said Monday it was contacted by the Health Department over the weekend regarding a possible COVID-19 exposure. 

"Despite our best efforts, the Health Department is not releasing any details to us regarding the cases/exposure except for the date of Aug. 22, being the date of the exposure," the post said. "We have spoken with and tested employees that worked the night in question and each of their tests have come back negative for COVID-19 and are quarantining as an extra measure." 

The restaurant's answering machine Monday afternoon said it is open Thursdays through Saturdays and outlines its safety policies, including the wearing of masks. 

The Facebook post added that the restaurant cares about the community and its patrons and has taken precautionary measures required by federal, state and county officials. The restaurant said it passed its COVID-19 inspection administered by the Health Department a few days prior to the COVID-19 exposure notification.

The restaurant's precautions include taking temperatures of those entering, 6 feet of distancing for patrons, employees wearing masks, hand sanitizer and extra cleaning and disinfecting procedures. 

There have been reports circulating in the community about other COVID-19 positive cases. Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino was asked by The Maui News on Monday if there was a positive case in the prosecutor's office. He did not confirm a positive test but said testing is ongoing in the office.

Victorino said that testing is being conducted in other departments but did not elaborate. He noted that workers are married to people who may be exposed to the virus. 

The prosecutor's office felony screening section was shut down as a precaution Thursday because an employee may have had contact with someone with the virus. 

Also last week, the Maui Police Department reported that three of its employees had contracted COVID-19. Police did not say if the cases were among officers or civilians.

COVID-19 exposures and confirmed cases have been reported in schools.

Two students from Kamehameha Schools Maui tested positive for the virus. One of the cases was reported last week and the other Monday.

In both cases, the notice to staff and parents said the students did not acquire the virus from a school employee, facility or student. The school in Pukalani is on a distance learning platform, a spokeswoman confirmed Monday.

Over the weekend, Kualapu'u Charter School on Molokai reported that it was notified that a "student(s)" had been exposed to a COVID-19 case. There are no COVID-19 cases with other students or staff at the school.

Staff, teachers and students' families are being contacted if at potential risk, the school said.

But out of caution, the campus is closed through Thursday for cleaning and sanitization, a post on its website said. Events after Thursday still are to be determined.

Distance learning opportunities are available during the campus closure, the school said. 

In other COVID-19 related news:

• Managing Director Sandy Baz reminded residents that beginning today mandatory travel forms will go online for those flying to Neighbor Islands and into the state. The Hawaii Safe Travels System forms can be found at travel.hawaii.gov. There are no more paper forms -- except for ferry travel between Lahaina and Manele small boat harbors.

• Victorino reminded those playing basketball at the courts next to Kahului School that they must social distance and wear masks while waiting for their turn on the court. If rules are not complied with by Wednesday, he could be forced to shut down the courts for two weeks "until we clean it up." No high fives too.

• Drive-thru testing is set from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Keopuolani Park. Because of the testing, the park will be closed Thursday morning and reopen at 3 p.m. Diagnostic PCR testing will be available. Minit Medical will call individuals with results, which are expected to take one to three days.

• Drive-thru testing is also planned Sept. 8 at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center on Molokai; times will be announced later. Minit Medical will also administer the tests and people can preregister at minitmed.com. 

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.