State Department of Health Epidemiologist Sarah Kemble said COVID-19 has been far deadlier than the flu during the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.
“In Hawaii and around the world, COVID-19 was far deadlier than the flu during the 2020-2021 flu season,” Kemble said Tuesday in a statement. “There was one confirmed influenza death in Hawaii between Sept. 27, 2020, and Oct. 2, 2021. This is compared to 608 COVID-19 deaths in the same reporting period. While influenza deaths have been rare in the past season, the upcoming season is a big unknown. If mitigation measures are loosened as COVID cases come down, it is likely we will see some resurgence of flu and other respiratory diseases.
“DOH strongly recommends that all eligible individuals get vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19. It is safe to receive both vaccinations at the same time. Getting the flu shot will help to ensure that Hawaii’s flu rates remain low to protect our hospital capacity and keep our communities healthy.”
The DOH reported six new COVID-19 cases Tuesday on Hawaii Island.
The seven-day average number of new cases for Hawaii County was 33, with a 40% drop in cases over the past two weeks.
The test positivity rate was 4.5%, the highest in the state.
Hawaii County Civil defense said in its daily updates there are 569 active COVID-19 cases with 12 individuals hospitalized.
Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald
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