Hawaii is spreading the coronavirus more than any other state in the country right now

Hawaii has become the state with the highest rate of coronavirus transmission in the entire country, according to new data.

What’s going on?

Hawaii has seen its COVID-19 cases spread at a rate of 1.6, meaning every person who becomes infected with COVID-19 spreads the disease to at least 1.6 people, according to Hawaii News Now.

• South Dakota is right behind with 1.2, and Texas is nearby with 1.16. Utah’s is 1.01.

What they’re saying:

• “It’s just a glaring example of how we need to be serious about this. We need to wear masks, we need to social distance.” — Dr. Scott Miscovich (Hawaii News Now)
• “That is very, very high.” — Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell (Hawaii News Now)

So what’s next?

Hawaii Gov. David Ige has considered a stay-at-home order for Oahu and may delay the return of tourists to the state because of the recent COVID-19 spikes, according to USA Today. The state had 355 new infections on Thursday and has seen 40 new deaths overall.

• Ige said: “If things do not get better we will have no choice but to look at more restrictions.”
• Ige said: “That means we will be looking at a delay of the transpacific pre-travel (COVID-19) testing program.”