The Hawaii Department of Health has determined that Hawaii County has reached the "community spread" level of COVID-19, according to Big Island Now.
"Community spread" means exposure to COVID-19 is likely when leaving your home. Hawaii County Civil Defense advised the public to limit all activities outside the home to essential activities only and follow safety practices, including social distancing and wearing face coverings.
“The delta variant has truly changed the COVID-19 pandemic here in the islands,” Gov. David Ige (D) said during a news conference, according to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald. “We have seen increased transmission, and we must take action in order that our health system is not overwhelmed.”
According to Mayor Mitch Roth, Hawaii County’s hospitals are at capacity and some are overcapacity.
Hawaii County’s two-week average is now 94 new cases daily, with a test positivity rate of 7.4%, according to the County of Hawaii website. As of Aug. 10, the Big Island had a total of 76 new cases, where 1,174 cases were active and 25 individuals were hospitalized, Big Island Now reported.
The Community Testing Program continues with testing available throughout August on Mondays and Thursdays at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo and Tuesdays at the Kona Aquatics Center from noon to 5 p.m., according to the County of Hawaii.