LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported 10 new cases of COVID-19 on Kaua‘i Sunday.
Sunday’s cases consist of one visitor and nine residents. Of the 10 new cases, one is a child and nine are adults. Eight of the cases are related to travel — four mainland and four interisland. The remaining two cases have no known source of infection, as investigators have been unable to reach them after repeated attempts or they have refused to provide information.
Sunday’s cases bring the number of active cases to 87, with six hospitalized, and 3,418 cumulative cases.
The DOH is urging everyone to exercise caution and celebrate the holidays safely, as COVID-19 is surging.
As of Friday, the seven-day new-case average increased from 101 10 days ago to 297 Saturday. The positivity rate jumped from 1.4% 10 days ago to 4.2% Saturday.
“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,” DOH Director Dr. Elizabeth Char said in a statement.
As of Friday, 31 confirmed cases involving the omicron variant have been identified in Hawai‘i. While all 31 cases of omicron detected thus far are on O‘ahu, it is reasonable to believe omicron has also reached the neighbor islands.
“We are continuing the research to understand what we’re dealing with, and our best researchers and medical experts are working on this,” Gov. David Ige said. “The mayors and I are discussing what type of protocols might be required going forward. The bottom line is this: Your life matters. Our mission is to stop the spread. It will take all of us to do that.”
A free pediatric vaccine for ages 5 to 11 is available seven days a week at Walmart and Longs Drugs at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e. Walmart accepts walk-ins, and appointments are recommended at Longs at cvs.com/vaccine.
All adults are now eligible for booster doses of vaccines.
A list of vaccination locations and hours can be found at kauai.gov/vaccine.
A list of free testing locations and hours can be found at kauai.gov/COVIDtest.
A list of testing options can be found at kauai.gov/covidtest.
