Thank you for your support of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. We appreciate your readership. As we reflect on the past three years since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Hawaii, it’s evident that while many have returned to living without restrictions, the state is still dealing with the consequences. Sadly, residents are still losing their lives to this disease. The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 has surpassed 1.1 million, and globally, it’s reaching 7 million. In Hawaii, we’ve lost 1,849 lives to the virus as of Wednesday.
While the state is in a much better place now in terms of COVID-19, it’s essential to look back on the lessons learned and plan for the future. Dr. Kenneth Fink, the Director of the Hawaii Department of Health, emphasizes the need for continuous investment in public health infrastructure and workforce. The pandemic has exposed the challenges of public health communication and the importance of public health agencies being trusted sources of information.
Hawaii’s response to the pandemic has demonstrated successful partnerships between the government and private sector, as well as a coming together of communities and individuals willing to help and protect one another. The Department of Health will continue to monitor COVID-19 in the islands, publish information, and respond accordingly, ensuring that the people of Hawaii can make informed decisions.
It’s been three years since the then-Governor David Ige issued an emergency proclamation on March 4, 2020. A week later, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The state’s first confirmed case was reported on March 6, 2020, in an Oahu resident who had recently returned from a cruise. Since then, over 381,000 residents have been infected or reinfected with COVID-19, according to the Department of Health. The virus has evolved into more contagious variants, resulting in various waves of infections.
Currently, Hawaii appears to be in an endemic state, with a fairly stable level of ongoing transmission in the community. Infection levels have returned to where they were last summer, with an average of 74 new cases per day and a positivity rate of 4.2%. Fortunately, it seems that the highly contagious omicron subvariant XBB.1.5, also known as “The Kraken,” didn’t cause significant harm, thanks to the immunity protections from previous infections and vaccinations.
However, our state is not out of the woods yet. COVID-19 remains a highly infectious respiratory disease, and people are still at risk of infection, hospitalization, and death. Tim Brown, an infectious disease expert, urges those at higher risk to continue taking appropriate precautions, such as getting boosted and wearing masks in crowded spaces. Testing and treatment options, such as the Paxlovid medication, should be discussed with a doctor if infected. The possibility of experiencing “long COVID” also looms, with potential long-term symptoms and impacts on individuals and the economy.
While the United States has seen a decrease in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the past two weeks, with Hawaii experiencing its lowest levels in nearly two years, it’s essential to remain vigilant. COVID-19 risks are still present, and the World Health Organization advises countries to continue testing and monitoring known and new variants. We have come a long way since the start of the pandemic, but it’s crucial to learn from these experiences to prevent future cycles of panic and neglect in responding to epidemics and pandemics.
As we move forward, let us remember the lessons and continue to prioritize public health and the well-being of our communities. Mahalo for your continued support and stay safe.
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