HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210720MODEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: July 20, 2021
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
SARAH K. BLANE, CHIEF OF STAFF
(808) 241-4900
Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office announces eight new
cases of COVID-19 on July 20
LĪHU‘E – The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported eight
new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, July 20.
Today’s cases consist of seven residents and one visitor. Six of the cases are adults, and two are
children. The source of infection for five of the cases is mainland travel-related. The remaining three
cases are considered community-acquired. Only one of the community-acquired infections is a close
contact of a previously announced case. The other two have no known source of infection.
All active cases are in isolation, and close contacts are being identified, offered testing, and
directed to quarantine. Investigations are ongoing.
“Mainland travel by Kaua‘i residents remains a major risk factor for infection,” said Dr. Janet
Berreman, Kaua‘i District Health Officer. “If you are traveling, please be sure you are fully vaccinated,
wear a mask when you are indoors or in crowded places, and avoid large gatherings. Residents who
travel should consider being tested 3-5 days after they return home.”
Today’s cases bring the number of active cases to 54, with four hospitalized, and 528 cumulative
cases. Kaua‘i’s cumulative case count includes 472 confirmed locally, three probable, and 41 positive
cases diagnosed elsewhere, as they received their pre-travel test results after arriving on island.
If you have symptoms or are feeling sick, you should isolate yourself immediately, stay away
from household members, and not go out – including to work or school – unless you are seeking testing
or getting health care. Those who have been vaccinated should still be tested if they believe they may
have been exposed or if they feel sick.
Many cases are in residents who have traveled, and Las Vegas is a popular destination. This
destination poses significant risks. The popular activities are largely indoors and can be crowded. Visitors
stay indoors for prolonged periods, mingling with others from all over the country. Masks are not
required. The result is a set-up for the spread of COVID-19. If you plan a trip, please be vaccinated
before you go. And whether or not you are vaccinated, follow Hawai‘i’s prudent rules and wear a mask
in crowded indoor settings.
Residents aged 18 and older are eligible for any vaccine available at pharmacy, hospital, and
clinic locations. The Pfizer vaccine has been authorized for use in those 12 years of age and older, and
are available at hospitals and pharmacies islandwide.
Vaccination is free and widely available on the island, including on weekends and evenings and
pop-up vaccination opportunities at community sites. Many vaccination sites accept walk-ins. For
details, visit www.kauai.gov/vaccine. Those who plan to travel can protect themselves and their families
by being fully vaccinated before traveling.
Free testing is available at the Convention Hall, weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on a first-
come, first-served basis. Testing is also available through your primary care physician, a hospital, or an
urgent care clinic. Please contact those providers directly for more information. For more details, visit
https://www.kauai.gov/covidtest.
For more information on the county’s COVID-19 response, visit www.kauai.gov/COVID-19.
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