There are 40 suspected Norovirus cases at Kalakaua Gardens’ kitchen. There are two residents and one employee confirmed to have Norovirus.

The facility’s kitchen closed voluntarily Thursday to begin disinfection process of the food preparation area.

All potential food service employees will be assessed for gastro-intestinal ilIness symptoms prior to being allowed back to work.

In a statement, Thomas Eustace, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kalakaua Gardens said:

“The health and wellness of our residents, staff and family are our top priorities. We contacted the Hawaii Department of Health when we learned about the norovirus symptoms in our community and we are currently working closely with the Department of Health and following established safety protocols to protect our residents, staff and family members.“

The facility has also recommended that guests refrain from visiting until further notice. They have temporarily suspended transportation services and have also suspended communal dining. Residents will eat in their own apartments with food provided by another licensed facility.

Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomitting, diarrhea, fever and abdominal pains.

Kalakaua Gardens plans to re-open the kitchen Friday morning. Department of Health staff will be at the facility just prior to re-opening for a final check.

Kalakaua Gardens passed their most recent inspection just last week before the first confirmed case of the virus. The full report links can be found below.

3-21 Inspection report

3-22 Inspection report