COVID-19 Resurgence in Hawaiʻi Prompts Renewed Health Advisory from DOH

Technology
July 22, 2025

Hawaiʻi is once again seeing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, according to recent updates from the Department of Health (DOH). As of July 19, 2025, the statewide test positivity rate has climbed to 12.4%, up from 10.9% the previous week, signaling a shift to medium-level community transmission. This reflects a consistent increase in cases across all counties, with a noticeable seven-day upward trend since early July.

The DOH noted that COVID-19 has surpassed both influenza and RSV in terms of test positivity, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions. This development marks the first time in months that COVID-19 activity has outpaced other respiratory illnesses statewide.

DOH Issues Safety Guidelines and Vaccination Push

In light of the increasing case numbers, the Hawaiʻi DOH released a public health advisory urging residents to remain cautious and adhere to key prevention measures. The department strongly recommends that all individuals aged six months and older receive the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine, especially high-risk groups such as:

Children under 2 years
Seniors aged 65 and above
Immunocompromised individuals
Pregnant women
Frontline and healthcare workers

Officials also emphasized basic safety measures to curb transmission:

Stay home if sick and return only after being fever-free for 24 hours without medication, with noticeable symptom improvement.
Mask indoors when experiencing symptoms or in the early recovery period, particularly in shared spaces.
Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or an upper sleeve, followed by handwashing or sanitizing.
Test early upon experiencing symptoms to access timely antiviral treatment and reduce hospitalization risk.

The DOH reiterated that early detection and treatment are vital, particularly for those more vulnerable to severe illness.

A Reminder That COVID-19 Remains a Threat

Despite the lifting of many pandemic-era restrictions, Hawaiʻi’s latest COVID-19 surge is a clear reminder that the virus has not disappeared. According to the Department of Health, the current spike highlights the continued relevance of public health measures and updated vaccines. Health authorities are also enhancing online dashboards to provide timely, transparent data on respiratory illness trends across the state.

Officials continue to urge residents to stay informed, practice caution, and prioritize vaccinations to protect themselves and their communities. With COVID-19 now outpacing the flu in multiple health indicators, state leaders emphasize that vigilance remains the best defense against another major outbreak.

For ongoing updates and resources, the public can visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Health COVID-19 page.