HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210723MODEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: July 23, 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 six new
cases of COVID-19 on July 23
LĪHU‘E – The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported six new
cases of COVID-19 on Friday, July 23.
Today’s cases are all residents – four adults and two children. The source of infection for four of
the cases is travel-related: two inter-island and two mainland. One of today’s cases was diagnosed
elsewhere with results received after arrival on Kaua‘i. The remaining two cases are considered
community-acquired. Both of the community-acquired cases are close contacts of previously announced
cases.
All active cases are in isolation, and close contacts are being identified, offered testing, and
directed to quarantine. Investigations are ongoing.
Today’s cases bring the number of active cases to 50, with four hospitalized, and 551 cumulative
cases. Kaua‘i’s cumulative case count includes 506 confirmed locally, three probable, and 42 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.
The Kaua‘i District Health Office team continues to investigate thoroughly every case reported
on Kaua‘i. Staff interviews everyone who tests positive to get information about how they may have
become infected and who they may have exposed during their infectious period. Each person who is
identified as a close contact is called by one of our contact tracers, and notified of their exposure. They
are instructed to quarantine, to monitor for symptoms, and are offered testing. KDHO staff is in daily
contact with every case and every close contact for the duration of their isolation or quarantine periods.
This is a labor-intensive but effective core public health approach to disease control, and we are
fortunate to have been able to continue robust case investigation and contact tracing.
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.
###