LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported eight new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday.
LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported eight new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday.
These cases consist of seven residents and one visitor. Six of the cases are adults, and two are children. The source of infection for five of the cases is mainland-travel-related. The remaining three cases are considered community-acquired. Only one of the community-acquired infections is a close contact of a previously announced case.
The other two have no known source of infection.
Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman pointed to traveling off-island as a cause for a recent spike.
“Mainland travel by Kaua‘i residents remains a major risk factor for infection,” Berreman said.
“If you are traveling, please be sure you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask when you are indoors or in crowded places, and avoid large gatherings. Residents who travel should consider being tested three to five days after they return home.”
Many cases are in residents who have traveled, and Las Vegas is a popular destination, officials said. This destination poses significant risks. The popular activities are largely indoors and can be crowded. Visitors stay indoors for prolonged periods, mingling with others from all over the world. Masks are not required. The result is a setup for the spread of COVID-19, the county said.
Tuesday’s cases bring the number of active cases to 54, with four hospitalized, and 528 cumulative cases. All active cases are in isolation, and close contacts are being identified, offered testing, and directed to quarantine. Investigations are ongoing.
