HONOLULU (Island News) – COVID-19 activity is yet again on the rise in Hawaii, according to the latest report from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH).
DOH’s newest data showed activity at a medium activity level, meaning the virus is circulating at higher levels than would be expected based on historic trends.
The test positivity rate was reported to be 12.4% as of July 19, which is up from 10.9% from the previous week. According to officials, the 7-day average of new cases also rose on all islands over the last month through July 11.
“The increase reminds us that COVID-19 remains a health concern in the community. At the moment, COVID-19 is outpacing the flu and RSV in test positivity, emergency room visits and hospital admissions,” DOH stated.
DOH advises the public to do the following:
1. Get the shot: DOH encourages everyone age 6 months and older to get vaccinated during the current COVID-19 surge. DOH recommends the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine particularly for the following higher-risk populations:
- Children age 6 months to 2 years
- Individuals age 2 years to 64 years who are immunocompromised (2 doses separated by 6 months with a minimum interval of 2 months; and may receive additional doses in discussion with their healthcare provider)
- Adults age 65 years or older (2 doses separated by 6 months with a minimum interval 2 of months)
- Pregnant women
- Healthcare workers
2. Stay home when sick: Stay home if you’re feeling sick and return to usual activities only if fever-free for at least 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medicines, and symptoms are improving.
3. Cover your cough: Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze helps stop the spread of germs that make you and others sick. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing by washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. Mask up: Properly wearing a well-fitted mask when you have or are recovering from COVID-19 symptoms and are indoors with other people can help prevent spread of illness to others.
5. Get a test: Take a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms and might need treatment because you are at higher risk for severe infection. Many respiratory viruses have similar symptoms, but treatments differ. Antiviral treatments for COVID-19 can prevent hospitalization and death. Treatment works best when taken as soon as possible after symptoms begin.
View additional strategies on how to reduce COVID-19 and other respiratory disease spread, here.
“The public is reminded to take reasonable precautions to avoid getting sick. Consult your doctor about vaccinations for yourself and your family,” DOH added.
Measles have surged to a record high, with more cases reported this year than any year since the disease was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.
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