LIHU‘E — Friday, the county announced one new travel-related COVID-19 infection in an adult resident. The county also confirmed a female resident who was hospitalized on O‘ahu for over a month has been discharged from the hospital and has returned home.
The county currently has six active COVID-19 cases, which are all in isolation.
Kaua‘i has reported 206 infections, including 177 confirmed locally, one probable, and 28 tested elsewhere but reported after arrival on island.
Vaccination efforts
Over 7,000 people have received vaccinations on Kaua‘i, the county reported Friday.
“(This) represents about 10% of the Kaua‘i residents old enough to receive it,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said during the Team Kaua‘i COVID-19 briefing. “This mass-vaccination process could not be possible without the hard work of our Kaua‘i District Health Office, the collaborative effort of our three on-island hospitals and our Medical Reserve Corps. This is a group of dedicated volunteers who have been manning our vaccination POD (points of distribution) daily. It is only through this team effort that our island is successfully moving through our vaccine program. A sincere mahalo to all those involved.”
The county Office of Elderly Affairs has been hard at work helping kupuna over 75 who have had issues with registering or are without internet access.
Kupuna over 75 can still sign up for their vaccinations through the appropriate hospital. No walk-ins are available.
To sign up for a vaccine at Wilcox Medical Center in Lihu‘e, visit wilcoxhealth.org/vaccine.
To sign up for a vaccine at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waimea and Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, visit kauai.hhsc.org.
To date, the county has offered vaccinations to health-care workers and first responders, teachers and school staff, child-care workers, agriculture workers and grocery-store employees. More information can be found at kauai.gov/vaccine.
Veterans who get health care through Veterans Affairs benefits can sign up to receive vaccines through the VA, according to the county. This program is not available to veterans on Tri-Care or those who receive health care from other avenues.
Free testing
The county is continuing free COVID-19 testing for Kaua‘i residents in high-risk industries, like those working in tourism, hospitality, first responders and county workers. This free testing is also extended to those who received an approved modified quarantine.
Testing is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e. No appointment is necessary, however, proof of employment or supervisor authorization is required.
Correction: This story was updated at 9:12 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 23 to clarify that hospitals are only accepting kupuna over 75, not caregivers.
