HOSPITAL UPDATE ON COVID-19: July 27, 2021 – as of 9:00 am

Due to increase in demand for the Pfizer vaccination at the Arc of Hilo Clinic, we will be extending its operations there until August 13. We are postponing the transfer of vaccination responsibilities from the Arc of Hilo to the East Hawaii Health Clinic at 1285 Waianuenue Avenue until the middle of August.

More evidence that COVID infections are continuing to trend up, according to Hawaii COVID-19 Data Dashboard: The state’s average of daily new cases over the last 2 weeks is 185 with Hawaii County averaging 36 daily new cases. The state’s positivity rate is 4.6% with Hawaii County at a concerning 7.0%. The Department of Health reported that the delta variant of COVID-19 is rapidly spreading across Hawaii, resulting in 55% of the cases in state with the delta variant and 77% of the cases on Hawaii Island with the delta variant. Infections are occurring in younger ages ranging from 30-50 year-olds. Hilo Medical Center is also seeing a number of families members come to our Emergency Department for testing, evaluation and, on occasion, hospitalization. The vast majority of hospitalized patients for COVID are unvaccinated. Statewide we are 59.8% fully vaccinated with Hawaii County lagging at 56%. Please continue to encourage your loved ones to get vaccinated.

EWS COVERAGE AND SOURCES

Hawaii Update

• Honolulu Star-Advertiser, July 27, “Hawaii hospital capacity leading factor in reimposing restrictions,” https://www.staradvertiser.com/2021/07/27/hawaii-news/hawaii-hospital-capacity-leading-factor-in-reimposing-restrictions

• Hawaii Tribune-Herald, July 27, “Ige: Vaccination or testing of state workers ‘is a consideration,’” https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2021/07/27/hawaii-news/ige-vaccination-or-testing-of-state-workers-is-a-consideration