HONOLULU — Data released by the state Department of Health showed a continued decline in COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i this week, while statewide cases also fell.
From Feb. 7 through Feb. 13, there were 43 new COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i and 619 new cases statewide, compared with 69 and 738 new cases, respectively, the week prior.
The DOH also reported 17 new deaths this week statewide.
No new deaths were reported on Kaua‘i, though two were reported last month, including a woman in her 70s and a boy under the age of 17.
Kaua‘i’s seven-day average was six COVID-19 cases a day and the Kaua‘i test positivity rate was 9.3 percent, compared with 4.7 percent statewide.
In partnership with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office, the county will distribute free COVID-19 home test kits at neighborhood centers from March 7-9.
A new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this month showed that bivalent mRNA booster doses provided additional protection against the XBB/XBB.1.5 variants, which are becoming more prevalent.
Approximately 7,500 COVID-19 home test kits will be distributed, with a limit of five tests per individual or household, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Free home tests from the federal government are also available to households via mail by visiting covid.gov/tests or calling 1-800-232-0233.
For a list of testing locations, visit kauai.gov/COVIDTest. For information about vaccine providers and the services they offer, people can visit the vaccine-finder map at hawaiicovid19.com/vaccine.
For a list of vaccination locations on Kaua‘i, visit kauai.gov/vaccine or call the DOH Kaua‘i District Health Office at 808-241-3495.
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Guthrie Scrimgeour, reporter, can be reached at 808-647-0329 or gscrimgeour@thegardenisland.com.
