COVID-19 Response
A public health nurse working for the Hawaii Department of Health prepares a COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus) is illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some people who have been infected experience no symptoms (“asymptomatic”) or mild symptoms, while others experience much more severe illness, such as respiratory problems (including difficulty breathing) and even death. Some people who have had COVID-19 remain ill or have health problems long after their infection has passed (called “long COVID”). Although
COVID-19 is a pandemic, meaning it has spread globally. Almost five million people have died around the world, including over 600,000 in the United States. Governments around the world, including the US federal government and the State of Hawaii, are working hard to fight the spread of COVID-19 in order to save lives. This page provides resources that will help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Current Situation
Although Hawaii has fared better than much of the mainland United States, people across the state are getting fully vaccinated for COVID-19, wearing masks in indoor public settings and crowded outdoor settings, practicing social distancing when around people outside their household, and engaging in other preventive measures to help keep our islands safe.
The Delta variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has led to a rise in new cases and is a reminder that these preventive measures — particularly getting vaccinated — are as important as ever.
The latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak in Hawaii and across the United States can be found at these DOH websites:
Impact in Hawaii
The Delta variant has led to a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases. Because of this, the state is reinforcing recommendations and requirements for wearing masks in public places. The Hawaii Department of Health strongly encourages everyone aged 12 and over to get vaccinated in order to stop the COVID-19 pandemic and help us return to normal.
The latest data on the the impact of COVID-19 in Hawaii can be found here:
What can I do?
The most important things you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help us end this pandemic are the following:
- get fully vaccinated and protect those who cannot be vaccinated (locations)
- wear masks in indoor public places and crowded outdoor settings
- practice social distancing when out in public, staying at least 6 feet (2 meters) from people outside your household
- thoroughly wash your hands often
- avoid unnecessary travel, especially to places where COVID-19 spread is moderate or high
You can learn more about how to prevent COVID-19 and ways to protect your family at these DOH websites: