Media Availability

State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble and Disease Investigation Branch Chief Caroline Pratt provide an update on RSV and other respiratory viruses in Hawai‘i. RSV and influenza are increasing in Hawai‘i, in line with trends observed across the country. People concerned about the flu or other respiratory viruses can take simple preventive measures like staying away from others who are sick, staying home if they’re sick, washing their hands, covering their cough, and wearing a mask. DOH recommends flu shots for individuals six months and older. COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months and older and COVID-19 bivalent boosters are [...]

Hawai‘i Department of Health State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble and Hawai‘i Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Heidi Armstrong discuss school guidance for the 2022-2023 school year. Recorded on 07/12/2022. 

State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble and Hawai‘i Department of Education Acting Superintendent Keith Hayashi discuss the COVID-19 numbers released today and COVID’s continued impact on schools. Recorded on 05/11/2022.

Media Availability with Hawai‘i State Department of Health’s Dr. Sarah Kemble and Department of Education Interim Superintendent Keith Hayashi discussing the updated health, isolation and quarantine policies for public school students grades K-12. Recorded on 01/11/2022.

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