
BIVN graphic features the number of new cases reported by the State of Hawaiʻi on Saturday, and a map showing zip code areas with reported cases having onset dates in the past 14 days according to the Hawaiʻi health department.
Serving Hawaii County
by Big Island Video News8:42 pm
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STORY SUMMARY
HAWAIʻI - Updates on Saturday's case count, a new variant found in the state, a spike in cases on Maui, and FDA authorization for a new vaccine.
(BIVN) – There were 106 newly reported cases of COVID-19 in the State of Hawaiʻi on Thursday. Of that number, three (3) case were identified on the Big Island.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health says there have been 25 cases of COVID-19 reported on Hawaiʻi island in the past 14 days.
Hawaiʻi County has seen an average 0.3% test positivity rate over the last 14 days, with an average of only two new cases per day.
From the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense:
Higher Case Count Partially Due to Historic Cases
The State Department of Health on Saturday issued the following statement, following the Disease Outbreak and Control Division’s report of 106 new coronavirus cases. “31 cases from Maui were not previously confirmed due to a laboratory reporting issue,” the State said. “These cases occurred between Nov. 29, 2020 and Feb. 18, 2021. These cases are not included in the current 7-day averages. DOCD is receiving new electronic test results from a Maui testing site, resulting in approximately 16,500 newly reported historic negative results from November to now, included in Maui and statewide testing counts.”
The State says the higher case counts on Maui “also include 19 positive cases that are part of a current cluster at Maui Community Correctional Center, and a cluster at a community housing complex. Community spread is also the cause of smaller clusters related to food and drink establishments. Contact tracing, isolation and quarantine measures are being used to control these clusters. Vaccination is being offered at MCCC and in areas where outbreaks are a concern.”
“We really need to ramp up compliance to safety protocols or the alternative would be really high case numbers in the coming week, possibly resulting in tighter restrictions,” said Dr. Lorrin Pang, the DOH Maui District Health Officer.
New COVID Variant Found In Hawaiʻi
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health State Laboratory confirmed the presence of a new COVID variant in Hawai‘i on Friday. From the health department:
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Granted Emergency Use Authorization
Following Saturday’s news that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization for Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccination, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health said it now awaits national guidelines on administering the vaccine. U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to soon issue recommendations on who should receive the vaccine and how it should be distributed.
“Today’s announcement validates the FDA’s findings that this vaccine is safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” Hawai‘i State Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char said. “Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose regimen and less stringent handling requirements will bolster Hawaii’s vaccination efforts. We look forward to reviewing the CDC’s recommendations so we can make informed distribution decisions.”
According to the State of Hawaiʻi:
Hawaii Receives $87M to Provide COVID-19 Vaccines
From the State of Hawaiʻi: