Weekly County Briefing: Health Office Reports Another COVID Death; CDC Lists Island as High-Transmission Area

Kaua‘i County Managing Mike Dahilig reported Thursday, June 16, in the county’s weekly video briefing that the island’s COVID case counts are declining, but remain high.

Dahilig said the island’s seven-day average is 57 cases a day this week, down from 65 last week and 71 the week before. However, the actual number of cases is likely much higher because home tests are not typically reported to the state Department of Health.

Statewide, the seven-day average case count is about 1,000, down about 20% from the past two weeks.

Kaua‘i’s test positivity rate is at 22%, a decrease from 25% last week, while the state sits at about 19%.

Unfortunately, the Kaua‘i District Health Office reported another COVID death this week. The patient was a male resident in his 80s who was hospitalized.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his ‘ohana and his friends,” Dahilig said in the video.

Kaua‘i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman also said the island continues to see high case counts, especially in its long-term care facilities.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently lists Kaua‘i as a high-transmission area,” Berreman said in the video. “While we’re in high transmission, we recommend wearing a mask indoors in public and in crowded outdoor spaces, staying up to date on COVID vaccines and boosters and getting tested if you have symptoms.”

She asked people to stay isolated if they become ill.

“Please stay home if you’re sick,” Berreman said. “Do not go to work, school or social events.”

To watch the entire briefing video, click here, and click here for more information.