WHO: Record weekly jump in COVID-19 cases but fewer deaths
GENEVA — The World Health Organization said Thursday that a record 9.5 million COVID-19 cases were tallied over the last week as the omicron variant of the coronavirus swept the planet, a 71% increase from the previous 7-day period that the U.N. health agency likened to a “tsunami.” However, the number of weekly recorded deaths declined.
More COVID-19 test sites open to alleviate demand
The demand for COVID-19 testing remains high as case counts climb following the New Year’s holiday weekend.
Schools sticking with in-person learning scramble for subs
HARTFORD, Conn. — Principals, superintendents and counselors are filling in as substitutes in classrooms as the surge in coronavirus infections further strains schools that already had been struggling with staffing shortages.
First cruise ship in nearly two years slated to arrive in Hawaii next week
Carnival Corp.’s Grand Princess is scheduled to be the first passenger cruise ship to arrive in Hawaii since March 2020.
286 new cases on Big Island; more than 3,000 statewide
Almost 300 new COVID-19 cases were reported on the Big Island today, with more than 3,500 statewide.
‘Largest spenders’ wanted: Kouchi says lack of foreign visitors is a drag on Hawaii’s economy
With the novel coronavirus pandemic entering a third year, state Sen. President Ronald Kouchi said one of the biggest challenges facing Hawaii’s economy is “continued restrictions on foreign travel.”
US urges COVID boosters starting at age 12 to fight omicron
The U.S. is urging that everyone 12 and older get a COVID-19 booster as soon as they’re eligible, to help fight back the hugely contagious omicron mutant that’s ripping through the country.
Crowd sizes limited in Honolulu as omicron rises in islands
HONOLULU — Organizers of large indoor events on Hawaii’s most populous island must once again abide by crowd size restrictions as the omicron variant spreads throughout the state.
US hospitals see different kind of surge
Hospitals across the U.S. are feeling the wrath of the omicron variant and getting thrown into disarray that is different from earlier COVID-19 surges.
More than 500 new cases reported on Big Island; nearly 5,000 statewide
The Big Island broke another record today after the Department of Health reported more than 500 new COVID cases on the island.
Correction: Big Island grand jury selection to occur Thursday, Friday
Grand jury selection will take place Thursday at the Hilo courthouse and Friday at the Kona courthouse, per 3rd Circuit Chief Judge Robert Kim.
CDC posts rationale for shorter isolation, quarantine
NEW YORK — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday explained the scientific rationale for shortening its COVID-19 isolation and quarantine recommendations, and clarified that the guidance applies to kids as well as adults.
COVID case counts may be less important amid omicron
The explosive increase in U.S. coronavirus case counts is raising alarm, but some experts believe the focus should instead be on COVID-19 hospital admissions. And those aren’t climbing as fast.
State signs port agreement with Carnival and Norwegian cruise lines
The Hawaii Department of Transportation Harbors Division announced today the execution of the first port agreements with Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Lines to formalize health and safety protocols for the return of cruise line operations in Hawaii.
Omicron upends return to US schools and workplaces
Some school systems around the U.S. extended their holiday break Monday or switched back to online instruction because of the explosion in COVID-19 cases, while others pressed ahead with in-person classes amid a seemingly growing sense that Americans will have to learn to co-exist with the virus.
Another record-setting day for infections in Hawaii County
The state Department of Health on Monday once again reported a record-breaking number of new COVID-19 cases in Hawaii County.
Snow storms and pandemic ground flights, delay holiday’s end
Wintry weather combined with the pandemic to frustrate air travelers whose return flights home from the holidays were canceled or delayed in the first days of the new year.
Schools adapt for return from break as COVID-19 cases surge
Mask requirements are returning in some school districts that had dropped them. Some are planning to vastly ramp up virus testing among students and staff. And a small number of school systems are switching to remote learning — for just a short while, educators hope.
Fauci: CDC mulling COVID test requirement for asymptomatic
WASHINGTON — As the COVID-19 omicron variant surges across the United States, top federal health officials are looking to add a negative test along with its five-day isolation restrictions for asymptomatic Americans who catch the coronavirus, the White House’s top medical adviser said Sunday.
Nearly 9,000 new cases statewide, 800 on Big Island, since New Year’s Day
There have been nearly 9,000 new COVID cases statewide in 2022 already, according to the state Department of Health.
