Back to School Safely
In-person learning and classroom safety remain priorities as students prepare to return to school. Proper implementation of layered COVID-19 mitigation strategies support these priorities. Vaccines and masks are among the most important and widely available tools to keep classrooms safe. “Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccination is the single most important strategy for preventing severe disease from COVID-19,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. All school-age children are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. An estimated 78% students ages 12 to 17 years old have completed their primary series of two vaccinations and 26% of them have [...]
Pediatrician Answers Questions About Resuming Regular Keiki Checkups
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some families decided to forgo regular, in-person checkups with their children’s doctor and other healthcare professionals over concerns about the risk of infection. The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging parents to resume checkups for children to protect their health with much needed well-child and dental visits, including screenings, dental checkups, and vaccinations. Regular checkups not only track children’s development, but also identify any health problems early to avoid complications and more costly treatment. We asked Dr. Vinson Diep, FAAP, a pediatrician at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children, to answer some [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health issues cease & desist order, $58,000 penalty to NextHealth for conducting unauthorized COVID-19 testing
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has ordered NextHealth to immediately cease and desist performing COVID-19 tests in the State of Hawai‘i without a license, permit or written approval. DOH also levied a $58,000 administrative penalty. NextHealth performed COVID-19 testing beginning from October 11, 2021 at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea located at 3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, Hawai‘i. Approximately 982 patients were tested during that time. Laboratories are regulated under the authority of federal and state statutes, which ensure providers operating in Hawai‘i deliver quality services that meet federal and state standards. “Testing is critically [...]
Media Availability with State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble on Omicron Variant on Oahu
Today, the Hawaii State Department of Health has confirmed one case of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus on Oahu. The resident was unvaccinated. The variant was found through the DOH surveillance program. Recorded on 12/02/2021
Halloween safety tips during the pandemic
The Hawai‘i Department of Health is offering guidance to help families have a safe and fun Halloween. Encourage safe Halloween activities by sharing these infographics with friends and family. There are more than 400,000 Hawai‘i residents who are not fully unvaccinated. We encourage those 12+ to get the free COVID-19 vaccine along with their annual flu shot. Plan to get both shots by Halloween! Get yours today! HawaiiCOVID19.com/vaccine. #HalloweenSafety #HawaiiCOVID19 This Halloween, wear masks that snugly cover your nose and mouth as part of your Halloween costume. Avoid plastic masks with holes unless they are made [...]
As DOH Marks 70% of Hawai‘i Residents Fully Vaccinated, Director Char Urges Continued Vigilance
More than 426,000 Hawai‘i Residents Have Not Completed Vaccination HONOLULU – Hawai‘i Department of Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char released the following statement on 70% of Hawaii residents completing COVID-19 vaccination: “While we are encouraged that 70% of Hawai‘i residents have made the choice to protect themselves and our community through vaccination, there is more work to do. Even with this rate of protection, our seven-day average case count is 130 new cases per day. We encourage all eligible Hawai‘i residents to become part of the solution and get vaccinated.” Nearly 102,000 eligible Hawai‘i residents have not started vaccination, and [...]
Lanakila Health Center hosts no-cost COVID-19 testing on O‘ahu
HONOLULU – The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) will offer free COVID-19 rapid testing at the Lanakila Health Center on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Testing will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not required. Wait times can vary, but please anticipate waiting 30 minutes or longer. Results will be available on-site within 15 minutes. Testing for those with symptoms may take longer. Please bring a government photo ID and wear a mask. The Lanakila Health Center is located at 1700 Lanakila Avenue in Liliha. Free parking is available. For more COVID-19 testing [...]
Free COVID testing events in Nanakuli
HONOLULU – The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) in conjunction with the Hawai‘i National Guard will offer free COVID-19 rapid testing in Nanakuli every Wednesday in October from 3 – 6 p.m. Free testing will be available at the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center – Nanakuli Clinic at 87-2070 Farrington Highway behind McDonald’s. Wednesday, October 6, from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 13, from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 20, from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 27, from 3 to 6 p.m. Testing will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are not required. Wait times [...]
DOH authorizes Pfizer booster doses, prioritizes first shots & kupuna
First priority remains providing access to unvaccinated individuals 65+, 50-64 with underlying conditions prioritized for booster HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health is issuing prioritization guidelines for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in order to implement the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations on COVID-19 booster doses. First and second doses should have priority over any booster doses. The best way to protect Hawai‘i families and communities is to ensure that unvaccinated Hawai‘i residents complete their primary vaccine series. DOH recommends vaccination providers give priority to individuals age 65 and older and individuals age 50-64 with underlying [...]