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The impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt both locally in Hawaii and globally. Whether it’s affecting the health of individuals or the state of the economy, the effects are evident.
According to Tim Brown, an infectious disease expert from the East-West Center in Manoa, COVID-19 cases have maintained a relatively steady state since mid-May. The state Department of Health reported an average of 71 daily cases, with a positivity rate of 8.4% and an average of 48 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 over the week. Sadly, there were also nine additional deaths reported, all of which were individuals aged 60 and older.
On the island of Oahu, Brown noted that cases have consistently remained around 50 per day for the past seven weeks, with a positivity rate of approximately 10%. These numbers are concerning, as there is still a significant amount of COVID-19 circulating in the community. Reports of people contracting the virus within their social circles and among relatives are still common.
Brown emphasized the importance of precautions for individuals at risk. It is crucial for them to get tested if they experience symptoms and to consider taking Paxlovid if diagnosed with COVID-19. Hospitalizations and deaths remain a significant risk for the elderly population, and the current variants are highly transmissible.
For older individuals or those at higher risk, Brown recommends discussing the option of Paxlovid with their healthcare provider in advance. This proactive approach can help avoid delays in treatment if they were to test positive for COVID-19 using a home test.
While younger individuals without underlying health conditions may not face severe illness or hospitalization, they are still at risk of developing long COVID. Long COVID affects approximately 10% of all ages infected with omicron variants and can result in long-term symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, and changes in smell or taste. It is not a condition to be ignored, and avoiding infection is the best course of action.
Long COVID and other post-COVID conditions can have lasting health implications, sometimes resulting in disability. A recent survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that around 6% of American adults have experienced long COVID.
Brown strongly discourages taking unnecessary risks by repeatedly exposing oneself to COVID-19. The potential consequences, such as long COVID or severe illness, far outweigh any perceived bragging rights.
The long-term effects of COVID-19, including long COVID, can hinder people’s ability to work and potentially restrict travel, thereby impacting the tourism industry.
In terms of public transit, Brown believes that masking should be practiced on all forms of transportation, including the newly opened Skyline rail transit, TheBus, and airplanes. Not only does this protect individuals, but it also safeguards vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with underlying health conditions who rely on public transportation.
Even with good ventilation, crowded spaces present the opportunity for exposure to exhaled air from nearby individuals. This is why maintaining mask usage is crucial.
The omicron variants, particularly the XBB.1.5 variant known as “the Kraken,” are currently the most prevalent in Hawaii. The latest variant report shows that XBB.1.5 accounts for approximately 45% of circulating variants, followed by XBB.2.3 at 16% and XBB.1.16 at 14%.
Looking ahead, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends a targeted, monovalent COVID-19 vaccine for the fall. This vaccine would specifically target the XBB-lineage of the omicron variant.
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