Hawaii's state epidemiologist: 'We must use all the available tools in our toolbox' when it comes to COVID-19

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Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and booster(s) is still the best defense against serious disease and hospitalization. | Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Department of State

Gov. David Ige (D-HI) recently announced that the Hawaii Department of Health is adjusting its approach to COVID-19 to focus on effectively managing, treating and detecting the disease -- especially new variants -- while recognizing that the virus is still active.

According to State Health Director Dr. Libby Char, the state's COVID-19 approach will focus on protecting residents and treating patients with COVID-19, staying alert and preparing for potential new variants of the virus, as well as boosting community resilience. 

“COVID-19 isn’t going away,” Ige said at an April 27 news conference, according to his official website. “As part of the transition, COVID will be handled more like other diseases — something health care providers diagnose and treat.”

While recent increases in COVID-19 cases have yet to result in a surge in hospitalizations, experts stress such upticks or changes in patterns are often considered a lagging indicator.

“We must use all the available tools in our toolbox,” State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble said, according to the governor's website.

State health experts still recommend that residents exercise safe practices to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, including getting coronavirus vaccines and boosters, wearing masks and staying at home if you're sick. 

Visitors can find the full explanation at Hawaii's COVID-19 Transition Plan.