DOH issues interim K-12 school guidance
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has updated interim COVID-19 isolation and quarantine guidance for K-12 schools. The updated guidance is closely aligned with new CDC guidance for schools. Isolation and quarantine times for students and staff who meet certain conditions have been reduced to 5 days. ISOLATION Students and staff who test positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 symptoms should isolate for five days regardless of their vaccination status. They can return to school when all the following conditions are met: Five full days have passed since symptoms first appeared or since test was conducted. No fever [...]
Booster shot eligibility expands
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is adopting the most recent COVID-19 booster shot recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Effective immediately: DOH recommends a single Pfizer-BioNTech (Pfizer) vaccine booster shot for everyone ages 12 - 17 who completed their primary vaccine series at least five months ago. People 18 and older who completed their primary series of Pfizer vaccine at least five months ago should get an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) booster. Moderately to severely immunocompromised children ages 5-11 should get an additional dose of the Pfizer vaccine 28 days after their [...]
DOH revises state’s isolation & quarantine policy
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is revising the state’s COVID-19 isolation and quarantine policies to closely align with recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These changes are effective Monday, January 3, 2022 for all DOH directed isolation and quarantine. If COVID-19 positive regardless of vaccination status Isolate for at least 5 days and until symptoms are gone. Continue to wear a mask for five days after isolation. If exposed to COVID-19 Boosted, or fully vaccinated within past six months (or within past 2 months if J&J) No need to quarantine Wear a [...]
DOH provides bridge COVID-19 testing during winter break
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is expanding access to free COVID-19 testing on O‘ahu by providing families with community testing options during winter break. “DOH recognizes the importance of providing increased testing capacity to families and the community, especially while school testing programs are paused during the winter break,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “School-aged children and their families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and test for COVID-19 before returning to school in January.” Bridge testing is available at the Waikiki Shell daily from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM and at the [...]
Additional Omicron cases detected in Hawai‘i
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) has detected 24 additional cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant. This brings the total number of confirmed Omicron cases in Hawai‘i to 74. While all Omicron cases detected thus far are on O‘ahu, four specimens from Hawaii Island and two specimens from Maui contain a molecular clue indicating they are likely Omicron. Whole genome sequencing will be performed to determine if they are Omicron. “Booster shots are more important than ever. Please get your booster shot now. People who have received booster shots [...]
Safe holiday celebrations
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) wishes everyone a joyous holiday season and reminds everyone to celebrate safely. “Please, if you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot, get it now. Protect yourself and show aloha for family and friends by exercising caution this holiday season,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. Here are things you can do to guard against COVID-19 during holiday get-togethers. Limit gatherings to household members Celebrate with fully vaccinated & boosted people Gather outside Wear masks inside Maintain distance Take extra precautions to protect kupuna and those who can’t get vaccinated Find [...]
Additional Omicron cases found in Hawai‘i
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has detected additional COVID-19 cases of the Omicron variant bringing the statewide total of Omicron cases to 50. Forty-nine of the 50 cases are on O‘ahu. The source and location of the remaining case is still being investigated. It is reasonable to believe Omicron may be present on the neighbor islands. Early research shows the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. More data are needed to determine whether Omicron infections cause more severe illness than other variants. COVID-19 vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to [...]
Concert attendees urged to get tested
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is investigating 30 COVID-19 cases among patrons and employees of The Republik nightclub. All 30 individuals were at the nightclub for concerts on December 10 or 11. All patrons who visited The Republik on December 10 or 11 are urged to get tested for COVID-19 regardless of symptoms or vaccination status. There were between 900 and 1,000 people at the nightclub each night. Attendees were required to be fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Masks required for this indoor venue were removed for eating and drinking. Event coordinators [...]
Caution urged as new surge hits Hawai‘i
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is urging everyone to please exercise caution and celebrate the holidays safely as COVID-19 is surging. The 797 new COVID-19 cases reported today represent the highest case count in more than three months. The 7-day new case average increased from 101 ten days ago to 297 today. The positivity rate jumped from 1.4% ten days ago to 4.2% today. “These numbers reflect a disturbing trend. The Delta variant, the Omicron variant, large gatherings, increased travel and holiday get-togethers appear to be fueling the surge,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. To [...]
State ends operation of isolation / quarantine facilities
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) will cease state-wide operation of isolation / quarantine facilities on December 31, 2021. This is pursuant to Governor Ige’s Emergency Proclamation related to COVID-19 dated November 29, 2021 which says, “… the counties shall continue to have direct responsibility for emergency management within their respective county.” Anyone who tests positive or is a close contact of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 is advised to follow DOH’s Home Isolation and Quarantine Guidance. This guidance can be found under the “resources” tab at hawaiicovid19.com. Anyone experiencing a medical emergency such as trouble [...]