According to the latest data from the state Department of Health, all COVID-19 metrics, including case counts and hospitalizations, are once again trending upwards.
The department issued a warning on Wednesday regarding the rising rate of COVID-19 hospitalizations. The number of patients has increased by 89.7% from Tuesday to Tuesday. Currently, there are 75 COVID-19 patients in hospitals, marking the highest number in weeks. Out of these patients, four are in intensive care.
In terms of the weekly average, there has been an increase from 52 to 66 patients per day. State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble emphasized the importance of staying updated on COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, as the best defense against severe illness from the virus. She noted that although hospitals still have capacity, this increase in hospitalizations serves as a reminder of the ongoing circulation of COVID-19 in the community.
Hilton Raethel, the president and CEO of the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, acknowledged that while the average number of 75 COVID-19 patients exceeds the year’s daily average of 60 so far, there have been relatively low numbers in intensive care. He considered this to be a positive development.
Raethel also mentioned that hospitals have been consistently full since the beginning of the year, but the situation has recently improved, with the hospital census dropping below 2,400 on Wednesday. He expressed hope that the recent uptick in hospitalizations is merely a fluctuation and will trend downwards again.
He emphasized that the presence of COVID-19 is a reality that needs to be acknowledged, and appropriate precautions should be taken because the virus is not going away.
Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are advised to undergo immediate testing, and if the result is positive, they should consult with their healthcare provider for appropriate treatment. This is particularly important for individuals over the age of 50 or those with underlying medical conditions.
As for new COVID-19 cases, the state’s seven-day average has increased to 151, compared to 122 cases reported on March 29. The average positivity rate also rose to 10.2% from 8.9% on March 29.
The Department of Health recommends individuals who have not yet received a bivalent booster to do so. However, those who have already received a bivalent booster do not need to get another one at this time. Approximately 27% of the state’s eligible population has received the updated bivalent booster.
Furthermore, federal authorizations for a second updated booster for individuals at higher risk of severe infection, such as older Americans and the immunocompromised, are expected to be granted in the near future.
To visualize the data, the article includes embedded charts and graphs. These visuals show the weekly COVID-19 cases in Hawaii, the number of coronavirus cases by island, and the distribution of cases by race compared to the population.
In conclusion, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest COVID-19 metrics, adhere to recommended precautions, and consider vaccination boosters for enhanced protection against the virus.
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