2 COVID Cases Identified in Resort Bubble Post-Travel Test

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, April 6.

Today’s cases are both visitors whose source of infection is related to mainland travel. Tuesday’s cases were identified via the Enhanced Movement Quarantine or “Resort Bubble” post-travel test program. Contacts are being identified, directed to quarantine, and offered testing.

“A single pre-travel test cannot prevent all travel-related cases,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “The County of Kaua‘i is following CDC recommended guidance and is working closely with travel industry partners to strongly encourage travelers to be tested 72 hours after their arrival.”

As the county re-joins the Safe Travel program, some travel-related cases are likely to go undetected. Following safe practices such as mask-wearing, social distancing, washing hands, avoiding large gatherings, and staying home when you are sick are critical to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Vaccinations provide a substantial added layer of protection.

“The best way to protect the Kaua‘i community and maintain the safety we have experienced in recent months is for all residents 16 and older to be vaccinated as soon as possible,” said Kaua‘i District Health Officer Janet Berreman, MD. “Those who work with travelers can avoid missed workdays by being vaccinated. Close contacts who have been fully vaccinated are not subject to DOH quarantine. They can continue working as usual. All residents who come in contact with travelers should be vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Vaccination appointments are widely available. For details, visit Kauai.gov/vaccine. Those who plan to travel can protect themselves and their families by being fully vaccinated before traveling.

Today’s cases bring the number of active cases to nine, with 233 cumulative cases. Kaua‘i’s cumulative case count includes 198 confirmed locally, two probable, and 33 positive cases diagnosed elsewhere, as they received their pre-travel test results after arriving on island.

For more information on the county’s COVID-19 response, visit www.kauai.gov/COVID-19. For more information on the state’s COVID-19 cases or the state’s Safe Travels program, visit hawaiicovid19.com.