COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise in Hawaii
Hospitalizations of those testing positive for COVID-19 have nearly doubled this week throughout Hawaii.
The state Department of Health reported that the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 jumped from 39 patients last week to 74 patients this week, an increase of 89.7%.
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“Our hospitals still have capacity,” State Epidemiologist Sarah Kemble said in a DOH press release. “However, it is a reminder of the ongoing circulation of COVID-19 in our community. Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, is the best defense against becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.”
Hawaii County reported two new deaths from COVID-19 this week. One man was between the ages of 70-79 who was hospitalized, and another man was over the age of 80 who was not hospitalized. Both were reported to have an underlying condition.
The latest variant report released on March 28 by the DOH found that the dominant variant in both Hawaii County and throughout the state is XBB.1.5, an omicron subvariant.
For Hawaii County, XBB.1.5 accounted for nearly 73% of total COVID-19 cases analyzed over a two-week period ending on March 11.
Over the past 14 days, the DOH reported that Hilo’s 96720 ZIPcode had a total of 55 positive COVID-19 cases reported, but actual number is believed to be substantially higher due to at-home testing.
Despite the increase in statewide hospitalizations, today is the third straight day Hilo Medical Center has reported zero COVID-19 patients in the hospital.
This is the first time there have been no COVID-19 patients at HMC since October 2022.
The DOH still recommends that individuals who have not yet received a bivalent booster should get one. Those who have already received a bivalent booster should not seek out another booster at this time. However, an updated recommendation for those at increased risk of severe infection is expected to come soon, according to DOH.
