HONOLULU — Data released on Wednesday by the state Department of Health showed 46 new COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, and 1,049 new cases statewide.
HONOLULU — Data released on Wednesday by the state Department of Health showed 46 new COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, and 1,049 new cases statewide.
Kaua‘i’s seven-day COVID-19 case average increased slightly last week to six cases a day, compared with five cases a day the prior week.
The test positivity rate on Kaua‘i was 6.7 percent, compared with 6.5 percent statewide.
Seven COVID-19 deaths were reported statewide.
The Dec. 5 state variant report showed newer omnicron variants BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 overtaking the BA.5 variant as the most common statewide for the first time. The two new variants account for a combined 42 percent of total cases, while the BA.5 variant now makes up 34 percent.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas showed that omnicron booster shots are less effective against these variants.
The omnicron BF.7 variant is also gaining traction in the state, representing 7 percent of new cases. The new variant, which is responsible for a new wave of cases in China, is considered highly transmissible.
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.
