The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday moved Hawaii County from the “Medium” to “High” COVID-19 community level.
The classification is based on several factors, including COVID hospital admissions, which jumped from roughly 9.5 per 100,000 people over the past two weeks to 15.9, as well as increased new case rates, now 398.49 per 100,00 people.
It also cites an increase of inpatient beds used by COVID-19 patients, now at 8.9% of total beds.
“The CDC classifying Hawaii Island as having a high level of community COVID is another reminder that COVID-19 is still a significant health threat,” said state Department of Health spokesman Brooks Baehr. “Wearing masks, getting up to date on vaccines and boosters, and avoiding crowds will help protect you and those around you.”
Some 7,199 new COVID-19 cases were reported statewide over the seven-day period ending Wednesday, with Hawaii County reporting 803 new cases.
Hawaii County’s test positivity rate was 15.3%, below the statewide rate of 18.9%.
Nine new deaths were reported statewide during the week, eight more than the week prior. No deaths occurred in Hawaii County.
The death toll for the state is now 1,435, with Hawaii County reporting a death toll of 193 throughout the pandemic.
Hawaii Tribune-Herald reporter Grant Phillips contributed to this report.