HONOLULU (KHON2) — Covid cases are on the rise in Hawaii. State health officials said it’s not a time to panic, but maybe start thinking about taking some precautions.
According to officials, the Covid data showed Hawaii at a high for the first time in a while. Right now, the statewide average is 144 cases a day. In addition, hospitalizations are up with a positivity rate climbing to 17%.
“Right now, it’s Covid that is showing us in the red or the high zone,” said Dr. Sarah Kimble, State Epidemiologist. “What that means is we’re seeing higher test positivity. So the percentage of tests being performed is high and it’s still going up.”
Jason Kasamoto is one of many who caught Covid about three weeks ago, just as infection rates were rising.
“Little more than a low-grade fever, maybe it was like 100, 101, some congestion a little bit, I lost my taste and my smell for like a week,” said Jason.
“When we look at our last variant report in late May, we were definitely seeing a rapid increase in the FLiRT variance. So I expect to see even higher numbers this time around,” Dr. Kimble added.
The State recommends that you get vaccinated, especially if you’re 65 years and older or immune-compromised and follow the precautions we’re all well versed at by now: masking and hand washing, and staying home if you’re sick.
“We see again and again in the data that the more recently you’ve had your shot, the better protected you are, so that’s another reason to get vaccinated now,” said Dr. Kimble.
Queens Health System said it’s seeing more patients in its hospitals requiring intensive care due to the effects of the virus.
In response, Queens requires masks for their caregivers in all its clinics and is implementing some additional screening procedures.
Masking is still optional but highly recommended at Queens as well as Pali Momi and Wilcox Medical Centers.
Kapiolani Medical Center is also taking stronger precautions and is mandating masks for all who work or visit to be extra careful for their pediatric patients.
Both healthcare systems said they’ll monitor the infection rate and adjust their protocol as needed.
