Kaua‘i COVID-19 count remains elevated

LIHU‘E — Wednesday, the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported a COVID-19 fatality and 65 new cases of COVID-19.

The fatality was a male resident in his 80s who was hospitalized, according to officials. To date, the county has recorded 17 COVID-19 related fatalities.

“My sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of this resident,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said in a statement. “We must continue to remain safe by avoiding large gatherings, wearing masks and getting vaccinated or boosted to prevent further spread of disease.”

As of Wednesday, the county had recorded 385 active infections, with five hospitalized.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the county has recorded 3,863 cumulative cases.

“Kaua‘i cases continue to rise extremely rapidly,” DOH Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman said. “Please consider changing your New Year’s weekend plans to decrease risk of spreading disease. Gather in small household groups only, gather outdoors, and ask anyone who is not feeling well to stay at home.”

Tuesday, the county recorded a single-day record high of 120 new infections.

Pediatric vaccines for those 5 to 11 are available at Walmart, Longs Drugs at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e and Kaiser Permanente.

Wilcox Medical Center hosts a pediatric vaccine clinic today from 4 to 6 p.m. The center hosts a clinic for those 12 and older today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are required for third and booster doses, and walk-ins are welcome for first and second doses. To schedule an appointment, visit wilcoxhealth.org/vaccine.

The Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e is open today from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The testing center is closed Friday in observation of the New Year’s holiday.

Additionally, a free mobile testing van is available today for walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kilauea Neighborhood Center and the Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapa‘a on Sunday. The testing clinics normally open in Kalaheo on Fridays and Hanalei on Saturdays are closed this week in observance of the holiday, and will reopen next week.

Free drive-thru testing at Lihu‘e Pharmacy is closed on New Year’s Day and will reopen on Sunday, Jan. 2. Appointments can be made at AlohaClear.com.
Source: The Garden Island