A model of COVID-19.Photo: Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty
A young boy who was on a family vacation to Hawaii with his vaccinated parents has died ofCOVID-19.
The child, whose age was not revealed but between the ages of 0 to 10, is the state’s first pediatric COVID-19 death, according to a governmentnews release.
There have been 479 deaths in Hawaii due to COVID-19, the release added.
Speaking with theDaily News, Brooks Baehr, a spokesman for the Hawaii Department of Health, confirmed that both parents were later tested for COVID-19, and “both had tested negative.”
In a statement toHawaii News Now, Baehr added that the child was not tested before arriving in Hawaii. “So soon after arrival that it is very likely this child was infected with COVID while on the mainland or perhaps in transit,” he said.
“While we mourn all victims of COVID-19, today’s announcement of the death of a child from this virus is especially heartbreaking,” Gov. David Ige noted in his own statement on Tuesday, according toFOX 8. “[My wife] Dawn and I express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of this child.”
“The state and counties will continue to make responsible decisions on COVID restrictions based on science, with the goal of protecting the health and safety of the people of Hawaii,” Ige added.
As information about thecoronavirus pandemicrapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from theCDC,WHOandlocal public health departments.PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMeto raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, clickhere.
source: people.com
