HONOLULU — Data released on Wednesday by the state Department of Health showed a slight increase in COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i this week, while statewide cases declined.
The DOH also reported one new death on island this week — a woman in her 70s, who died while hospitalized. Statewide, eight deaths were reported, all individuals over the age of 70. This comes after DOH reported last week that a youth death on Kaua‘i was the result of the virus.
From Jan. 31 through Feb. 6, there were 69 new COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i and 738 new cases statewide, compared with 41 and 766 new cases the week prior.
Kaua‘i’s seven-day COVID-19 case average was nine cases a day and the Kaua‘i test positivity rate was 9.7 percent, compared with 5 percent statewide.
In partnership with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office, the county will distribute free COVID-19 home test kits at neighborhood centers from March 7-9.
Approximately 7,500 COVID-19 home test kits will be distributed, with a limit of five tests per individual or household, on a first-come-first-served basis.
Free home tests from the federal government are also available to households via mail by visiting covid.gov/tests or calling 1-800-232-0233.
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.
