Officials Keeping Eye on Omicron BA-2 Variant Detected in Hawai‘i Wastewater

Case counts remain low.

In fact, the seven-day average on Kaua‘i is about five cases, with a test positivity rate under 3%.

The latest figures were announced during the County of Kaua‘i’s weekly COVID-19 info briefing on Monday, March 28.

With the in-door mask mandate over, they are still required in public transportation, airports, tour buses and shuttles, and for anyone who still wants to wear one.

“We say a lot of people choosing to wear masks in stores over the weekend,” Elton Ushio, administrator for Kauai Emergency Management  Agency, said. “Thank you for respecting others … No need stink eye.”

Around 15,000 home test kits are available to those who want them by April 1. The distribution schedule is available here.

District Health Officer Janet Berreman said there are a few things to keep an eye on. The FDA is considering recommending a second booster shot, although it hasn’t done so yet. Also, the Omicron BA-2 variant has been detected in wastewater in Hawai‘i, but any impacts of that on hospital stays or infections isn’t known. Officials, she said, are monitoring both situations.

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