“We are on fire.”
State Health Director Dr. Libby Char was pointed today in her message — Hawaii is in a health care crisis amid record-breaking COVID-19 case counts.
The state Department of Health today reported 1,167 new COVID-19 cases statewide, by far the largest tally reported on a single day since the start of the pandemic, and the first time a daily count topped 1,000.
Of those, 151 were reported on the Big Island.
“When we have hospitals that are really worried about being able to take care of people, that’s a crisis,” Char said. “When see this exponential growth in the amount of people that are getting infected with COVID every day — 2,000 people in the last three days — that’s a crisis. And at the point at which we overwhelm our resources, that’s a disaster. That’s where we’re heading, and we’re trying really hard not to get there.”
Hawaii’s hospitals are at or nearing capacity, and health care workers are strained amid the surge of coronavirus cases, driven by the highly contagious Delta variant.
The concern, though, is not just about COVID patients in the hospitals, Char said.
“If the hospital is so consumed with taking care of patients with COVID, it means that there is less resource to take care of other patients,” Char said. “ … It’s really a system issue. It’s not just COVID, and COVID is just adding to an already existing, busy system. … It really is about people, resources and staffing, and that’s where we’re falling short, and that’s why we really, really need people to please step up and help.”
Char joined Gov. David Ige during an hourlong news conference today.
The 1,167 cases on Friday include the regular 24-hour reporting cycle that ended at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, and the remainder of cases that were not reported due to an interruption of the electronic lab reporting system earlier in the week.
“But whether those cases were reported earlier in the week or reported today, the fact is 1,167 more people in our community are now battling COVID-19 — and the overwhelming majority of them are unvaccinated,” Ige said.
The DOH reported more than 2,000 new cases in the past three days, an average of 729 new COVID infections each day.
“We continue to trend in the wrong direction,” the governor said.
Both urged personal responsibility in the fight against the virus.
“Our heroes in health care, on the front lines battling COVID, again are being asked to save us,” Ige said. “It is unfair. Unfair because we all can save ourselves. Our behavior can save us. The actions we take each and every day can make a difference in the battle against COVID. The choices we make can save us, and we can and must turn this around.
“We must change our behavior and take action.”
Char was to the point.
“Wear your masks indoors. Keep your distance. Get tested. And stay home if you’re sick. Get vaccinated,” she said.
Char said the Delta variant now accounts for 80% of COVID cases in Hawaii.
“It used to be that if you were fully vaccinated, you could do just about anything,” she said. “With the Delta variant being so pervasive, the fight has changed.”
According to Char, those infected with the Delta variant carry 1,000 to 1,200 times the amount of virus in them than those who had the original virus strain.
Although breakthrough cases, or cases in those who are fully vaccinated, can occur, Char said the vaccine remains effective at “what it was designed to do,” which is prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death.
“We don’t have the armor that we once thought we had with vaccination, and so we need to be thoughtful with our actions.”
According to Char, 22 COVID clusters were identified in July. In the first 10 days of August, 45 clusters involving 773 people were investigated statewide.
Testing demand has jumped, from about 1,000 to 2,000 tests a day in July to 8,000 to 10,000 a day currently, and the DOH is ramping up to meet that need.
Char encouraged people to prepare as they would for a hurricane or other natural disasters.
“What’s your COVID plan? Where will you isolate if you test positive? Who will take care of your family members or your kids if you’re sick? Who will help you get groceries? Think about this. Make your plan now.”
Despite the rising case counts, further restrictions are not yet on the horizon, but Ige said, “we do talk about reinstituting restrictions constantly.”
“We don’t have any specific plans at this point in time, but we do look at what is happening in the community and being very focused on restrictions as we move forward.”
Ige earlier this week week tightened limits on social gathering sizes in response to the surge in cases and said Friday the state is evaluating changes to its Safe Travels program.
Of the 10% to 12% of travel-related cases, only 1% to 2% are from visitors, the governor said. Most cases tied to travel come from residents traveling out of state and returning to the island infected with the virus.
Some lawmakers, however, have called for more action.
“To control COVID-19, the governor needs to do more than request the public’s cooperation,” House Speaker Rep. Scott Saiki said in a statement today after Ige’s press conference. “The governor should implement a health pass that will require persons to show proof of full vaccination to enter establishments, such as restaurants, gyms and stores. I am confident that Hawaii residents will support such a move because they want to protect their children, families and friends.”
Email Stephanie Salmons at ssalmons@hawaiitribune-herald.com.