DOH examines specimens as possible Omicron cases
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) is performing whole genome sequencing on three COVID-19 specimens with molecular clues indicating they may be the Omicron variant. “We remind everyone that wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings and getting vaccinated will keep them safe,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “We can’t yet say these specimens are Omicron cases, but we believe Omicron is already moving through the community. Our only confirmed Omicron case involves an individual with no known travel history. That leads us to believe it is a case of community transmission,” said State Epidemiologist [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health laboratory detects Omicron variant in Hawai‘i
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s (DOH) State Laboratories Division (SLD) confirms the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also known as the Omicron variant, has been detected in the islands. “This isn’t reason for panic, but it is reason for concern. It’s a reminder the pandemic is ongoing. We need to protect ourselves by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, distancing as best we can and avoiding large crowds,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. On Monday, Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. (DLS) identified a specimen with a molecular clue indicating it may be Omicron. The State Laboratories Division performed expedited whole genome sequencing [...]
DOH recommends all vaccinated adults receive a booster
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is adopting stronger guidelines from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Effective immediately, all adults age 18 and older who completed their primary mRNA vaccinations of Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago should receive a single COVID-19 booster dose. Boosters are still recommended for anyone who received Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine more than two months ago. “This guidance is clear—all fully vaccinated adults should get a booster when it is available to them,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. “While the Omicron [...]
DOH reactivates Hawaii Immunization Registry
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has reactivated the Hawai‘i Immunization Registry. The immunization registry is a statewide information system that stores and tracks patient immunization records for 25 diseases including vaccinations for polio, tetanus, measles, mumps and now COVID-19. “The Hawai’i Immunization Registry provides health care professionals with a patient’s individual immunization history. Providers can see when a patient was vaccinated and what product they received. They can tell when a patient is overdue for a vaccine and avoid administering redundant vaccines,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. The immunization registry was under repair when the pandemic [...]
Celebrate Thanksgiving safely
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) reminds everyone to celebrate smartly this holiday season. “Many people in Hawai‘i are fully vaccinated and should be able to get together with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. We’ve taken big steps forward and our behavior in the coming weeks can show that we really care,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP. Here are some Thanksgiving safety tips. Celebrate with fully vaccinated people Stay away from others if you are sick, have symptoms or have COVID-19 Get tested in you have COVID-19 symptoms Limit gathering size to a small [...]
Booster eligibility expands
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is adopting new guidelines from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Effective immediately all adults age 18 and older who completed their primary mRNA vaccinations of Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago are eligible for boosters. The following recipients of a Pfizer or Moderna primary series should receive a single COVID-19 booster dose. People aged 50 years and older Adults in long term care settings All other persons aged 18 and older who received a Pfizer or Moderna primary series may receive a single COVID-19 booster dose. Boosters [...]
Large COVID-19 cluster warrants caution on Kaua‘i
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) is issuing guidance to a Kaua‘i church and its congregation because of the imminent health threat posed by a large cluster of COVID-19 cases. King’s Chapel, Kaua‘i, in Nawiliwili congregants are encouraged to participate in virtual services and avoid in-person church activities until the cluster is contained. People who attended events hosted by King’s Chapel Nawiliwili on or after October 31, especially youth group activities, are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19. They should closely monitor themselves for symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or loss of taste or smell. [...]
Vaccines prove effective in analysis of Hawaiʻi COVID-19 breakthrough data
HONOLULU – A Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) analysis of vaccine breakthrough data found COVID-19 vaccines provide excellent protection against hospitalization and death. A vaccine breakthrough infection occurs when a fully vaccinated person tests positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing their initial vaccine series. Hawaiʻi data on deaths that occurred from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021 found that fully vaccinated people age 0-59 were 34 times less likely to die of COVID-19 than unvaccinated individuals. Fully vaccinated people age 60 and older were nine times less likely [...]
Hawai‘i Department of Health issues cease & desist, $207,000 penalty to Embry Health for conducting unauthorized COVID-19 testing
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) today ordered Embry Health to immediately cease and desist collecting specimens for COVID-19 tests in the State of Hawai‘i without a license, permit or written approval. DOH also levied a $207,000 administrative penalty. Embry Health has been operating COVID-19 testing collection depots on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island. Embry Health testing sites known to DOH include Kahala Mall, Kaimana Beach Hotel, Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Patsy T. Mink Central O‘ahu Regional Park, Wahiawa District Park and Waipahu District Park. Collection depots are sites that collect test specimens and send them to a laboratory [...]
$2.2 Million grant to augment community health workforce training programs statewide
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) was awarded a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to train, deploy and engage community health workers as part of its public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Community health workers are frontline health workers who provide assistance in accessing healthcare, government, and social service resources. “Hawaii’s COVID-19 response was strengthened by community health workers who understood and advocated for their communities,” said Danette Wong Tomiyasu, Deputy Director of the Health Resources Administration. “This grant will augment statewide training programs for community health workers. Growing [...]