LIHU‘E — One out of every four eligible Kaua‘i residents is unvaccinated, Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman reported Monday.
“This pandemic is now a pandemic of the un-vaccinated,” Berreman said during yesterday’s COVID-19 briefing. “Yes, there are breakthrough cases in some vaccinated individuals. Those cases are generally mild with rapid recovery and no long-term effects — and little spread of disease.”
Monday, the KDHO reported two new infections of COVID-19 on island, one resident and one visitor, both adults. One is related to mainland travel, and the other case is considered community-acquired.
In the last week, the county had reported 44 new cases, representing 40 residents and four visitors.
“Many of the residents were unvaccinated and traveled to the mainland,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said. “If you plan a trip, please, get vaccinated before you go, to protect yourself and our community. And get tested upon your return.”
On island, there are currently five hospitalized cases.
“This is the highest number of Kaua‘i residents who have been hospitalized at one time since the pandemic began,” Berreman said. “With continued rapid spread of disease, we know we will see more hospitalizations and unfortunately can also anticipate more deaths.”
The DOH is reporting that 66% of Hawai‘i residents have initiated a two-step vaccine process. About 60% of state residents are fully vaccinated.
The county will be setting off mobile vaccination vans that will offer the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines to adults 18 and over. These vans will be available at gatherings and community functions, as well as be requested through the county.
Later this week, the county will mobilize its mobile testing van. Between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every day, the van will be located at:
• Wednesday: Kekaha Neighborhood Center
• Thursday: Kilauea Neighborhood Center
• Friday: Kalaheo Neighborhood Center
• Saturday: Hanalei Neighborhood Center
• Sunday: Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center
The headline to this story was updated to better reflect its content on Tuesday, July 27 at 5:50 a.m.
