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 [...]
Hawai‘i marks COVID vaccine anniversary
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) marks the one-year anniversary of COVID-19 vaccinations in the islands by thanking the people of Hawai‘i, vaccination providers and everyone who has worked to make COVID-19 vaccines accessible around the state. “COVID-19 vaccines are truly life-savers. And everything we learn about the Omicron variant tells us the vaccines are just as important today as they were when we administered the first shot one year ago,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. To date, 2,439,075 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Hawai‘i. DOH estimates 73.2% of the state’s population has received [...]
Omicron variant spreads
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) has detected 12 cases of the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant, on O‘ahu. “Most of the infected individuals have no known connection with one another. This indicates the Omicron variant is spreading deeper into our communities,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “People who have tested positive should isolate themselves. Close contacts and people with symptoms should get tested, regardless of vaccination status,” Kemble added. The Department of Health (DOH) is investigating four COVID-19 cases among patrons of the Scarlet Honolulu nightclub on Pauahi Street. [...]
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 [...]
DOH expands booster authorization to 16 and 17-Year-Olds
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is adopting expanded guidelines from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Hawai‘i residents ages 16 and 17 may receive a booster dose if it has been at least six months since the completion of the initial series of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. DOH reminds all eligible residents they can receive a booster dose if it has been at least two months since their Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or six months since completing their Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech series. The recent emergence of the Omicron variant underscores the importance [...]
2 New Omicron Variant Cases, DOH Alerts Public to Possible Exposure
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) reports two additional confirmed Omicron variant COVID-19 cases and several possible points of exposure in Hawai‘i. “It is imperative that all Hawai‘i residents work together to limit the spread of the Omicron variant,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “These additional cases and points of exposure show that Omicron is in our community, and the best thing we can do is to get vaccinated, continue to wear a mask and get tested if you feel ill or had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.” DOH’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) confirmed two additional [...]