coronavirus

COVID-19 cases in the community are climbing up, resulting in some local hospitals returning to masking.

The state began offering free COVID-19 testing and face masks for FestPAC delegates Monday as the positivity rate reached its highest point since August 2023. The Conversation got the latest from the state health director.

COVID-19 is at a “high activity level," showing red on the state Department of Health's respiratory disease dashboard. A positivity rate of over 14% puts Hawaiʻi in the red.

The Honolulu City Council voted to move an additional $8 million in federal funding for pandemic hazard pay for city workers. There are still ongoing negotiations with public worker unions on hazard pay.

Hawaiʻi's COVID-19 test positivity rate has more than doubled in the past month. The latest data from the state health department also shows that 5% of hospital admissions tested positive for COVID-19.

The newest dashboard of Respiratory Disease Activity shows COVID-19 is at the yellow level — or “medium activity.”

Maui County homeowners negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for financial help with paying their mortgage through the Maui Homeowner Assistance Fund.

The state will have to pay $449 million to compensate government employees for coming to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hawaiʻi Government Employees Association accepted the state’s settlement offer for pandemic hazard pay.

The Conversation talked to Caroline Pratt, the state Department of Health’s Disease Investigations Branch chief, about the updated guidance not just for COVID-19 but for all respiratory diseases in our community.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen reacts to Gov. Josh Green's decision not to institute a short-term rental moratorium; Updated guidance for COVID-19