LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i’s surge in COVID-19 cases attributed to the omicron variant and holiday events isn’t over, Mayor Derek Kawakami said Thursday, but that does not mean there will be new restrictions to the county.
“(Thursday’s) case count is alarming, but not surprising,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said Thursday afternoon. “Based on how easily omicron spreads, and coming out of the holiday gatherings and travel, we likely have not yet reached our peak.”
The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office announced 240 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, another single-day high. There are 802 active, reported cases, with seven hospitalized.
“While many are asking ‘What’s next?’ in terms of new restrictions, the truth is the best tools available that everyone can utilize in their daily life already exists. This includes wearing a mask around others, avoiding gatherings, getting vaccinated and boosted, and if you feel sick, please stay home,” Kawakami said.
According to the DOH COVID-19 database, the county has a 13.2% test positivity rate, which is the lowest in the state.
With these high case counts, people have adjusted their behavior during the surge, Kawakami said.
“I’ve met people who have canceled their gatherings on their own, postponed their travel, and are changing in-person meetings to virtual,” Kawakami said. “There is a sense of vigilance that we’ve been observing, and these are positive things we should continue to build momentum on.”
To date, the county has recorded 4,968 cumulative cases.
“Because while omicron appears to be more mild for most people, for a small percentage of people – particularly those who are unvaccinated – this is still a deadly disease,” Kawakami said. “Again, the best way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones is to get a vaccine. And if you’re fully vaccinated, please get your booster.”
Vaccines for those ages 5 to 11 are available at Walmart, Longs Drugs at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e and Kaiser Permanente.
Mobile-vaccine clinics for those 5 and older are available at Kanuikapono Public Charter School in Anahola and the Kekaha Neighborhood Center Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. Walk-ins are accepted, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Vaccine locations can be found at kauai.gov/vaccine.
The Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for testing. Appointments for free drive-thru testing at Lihu‘e Pharmacy be made at AlohaClear.com. Testing locations can be found at kauai.gov/covidtest.
