HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has released new guidance for staying safe from respiratory viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. The DOH's latest guidance closely aligns with the recent respiratory virus guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this month.
"The new DOH guidance continues to emphasize staying up to date on vaccinations, staying home when sick, and masking as valuable tools to reduce spread of respiratory viruses including COVID-19," said DOH State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble.
The Hawai‘i-specific guidance highlights the importance of taking preventive measures to curb the transmission of respiratory viruses within the community. This guidance is particularly crucial for individuals at a higher risk of severe disease from respiratory infections.
Dr. Kemble further emphasized the significance of certain key strategies in combating respiratory viruses, stating, "Other key strategies are covering your mouth when coughing, washing your hands frequently, taking steps for cleaner air, and testing and getting treatment if you are at higher risk for severe disease. We can all work together to slow the spread of respiratory viruses and protect those who are most vulnerable."
The DOH's guidance remains relevant for various respiratory viruses circulating in Hawai‘i throughout the year, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Despite the evolving nature of the guidance, COVID-19 continues to pose a substantial threat to public health, especially for older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems. It is essential to note that the respiratory virus guidance for healthcare settings has not undergone any changes.
For more information on the DOH's new guidance, individuals can visit the Disease Outbreak Control Division’s respiratory viruses webpage at https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease-types/respiratory-viruses/.