As US Warns Of Malaria, Hawaii Releases Genetically-Modified Mosquitoes

COVID Roars Back Here On Kauai As CDC Issues Highest Warning

Kauai has just returned to the CDCs highest threat level for Covid infections. Its being recommended that masks be worn indoors on the island, among other measures. Kauai is the only Hawaiian Island to be so warned. The rest of the state is in moderate Covid risk assessment by the CDC. All of the islands went from low to moderate levels just last month, and now this.

The director of the DOH said today they believe the actual case count is 5+ times higher than what is being reported. And based on what we are hearing here on the ground, that may be an understatement.

Today’s news came as case counts on Kauai have soared higher than the rest of the state, to 20%. This is something your editors take very personally since we both live here.

For further anecdotal testimony, we have heard of far more people on Kauai who are sick with COVID in the past couple of weeks, than since the outbreak first began more than two years ago. That’s been true among both children and adults who we know. Frankly, it’s become shocking, and while they aren’t dying to our knowledge, they are getting very sick. As one friend told us last week, “you don’t want to get this.”

There are three key metrics resulted in the increased Kauai warnings.

Those include new infections, hospital admissions over the past week, and the percentage of hospital beds used by Covid patients. At the same time, Kauai doesn’t plan to implement any restrictions at this time.

As for us, we have seen that more and more people are wearing masks indoors.

We aren’t heading into tight indoor spaces without N95 masks ourselves, as much as we would like to throw them away for good. The CDC suggests masks be worn both indoors and on any public transportation (think shuttle buses, for example), without regard to vaccination status. Also suggested for those at high risk are both social distancing and noting and avoiding poorly ventilated areas.

While the case count over the week ended this Wednesday was 391 here, most of the people we know who have or just had Covid reported to us that they used only at-home tests to confirm the infection, and thus aren’t being counted.

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202 thoughts on “COVID Roars Back Here On Kauai As CDC Issues Highest Warning”

  1. Rod W. That is the most intelligent, comment I have read yet. To the point, taking everyone’s health decision into consideration and not at all combative. Thank you for being the voice of reason!

    1
    1. Thanks Ed.

      Wish I knew which post that was so I can frame it – HaHaHa.

      Take care,
      Rod

      1
  2. I hate to tell you this, Katie, but I am working online with the Mainland 5 days a week and nobody wants to work! What we need is to stop paying people to stay home. We used to tell our clients that the plants are closed due to COVID-19, then we had a meeting and management told us those workers have just chosen not to return because they are getting paid anyway. Maybe the recent decisions to stop deadbeat pay will get more workers back!

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  3. As many have written, COVID is serious.

    Unfortunately, the govt can’t seem to find a real cure, so they change their mandates (none now) and we have to keep obeying flawed rules.

    Different reactions from different folks – those in severe fear think the government has the answers. Those with a calmer approach seem more willing to take chances. Both are right, so let’s not demonize each other on this. That’s what govt really wants – us at each other’s throats so they can gain more power. In my home 2 have taken the vacs and 2 have not – no one is sick.

    Look, we lose 15,000- 60,000 every year from the flu. Why, all of a sudden all these rules for COVID, but not the flu?

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    1. Because we’ve lost 1 million people to COVID already, that’s about 1/2 million per year. That make the flu like like a bad cold.. Fortunately, now, with the vaccine, boosters, and some new treatments, COVID is not as deadly as it once was for most people. The problem is that there are some people who can’t get the vaccine, or who have co-morbilities that make them vulnerable to getting very sick and/or dying. Thus, we need to work on trying to reduce/eliminate this disease, just like we did with things like small pox, etc. or people will continue to die in unacceptable numbers.

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      1. That number is not accurate as confirmed by the CDC. There were over 1,000,000 people who have died while “infected” with Covid, which is correct. However, many of those deaths were for other reasons and not necessarily the result of Covid. I think nobody will ever know the “true” death count from Covid. In some Countries it is much higher than reported and others much lower than reported.

        10
        1. So, you’re saying that if I get into a car accident, but die from a heart attack due to the loss of blood, that the car accident wasn’t the cause of death? It’s the same here. People with co-morbities get infected by COVID, which makes that decease worse, and they die from it so it’s not COVID’s “fault” when chances are they would be alive today if the hadn’t contracted COVID?

          So, this is the problem right now with people in this country. Instead of just listening to the experts who have years and years of education and experience in the field, we “do our own research” and draw our own conclusions which are often just plain wrong because we oversimplify things or misunderstand, etc. The CDC say nearly 1 million, so I’ll go with that.

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          1. Joerg,

            “People with co-morbities get infected by COVID, which makes that decease worse, and they die from it so it’s not COVID’s “fault” when chances are they would be alive today if the hadn’t contracted COVID?”

            That’s the question a lot of people are wondering – in comorbidity situations is too much “blame” being placed on COVID? Is it just too easy to say write “COVID” on the death certificate?

            6
          2. Well, I think that there’s little doubt that COVID makes those underlying health conditions worse. For example, if you have diabetes you are more likely to be hospitalized and/or die if you catch COVID according to any number of studies. So, if you die, was it the COVID that killed you, or the diabetes? The COVID, obviously.
            But in the end, it’s not the virus itself that kills you anyway. It’s your body’s reaction to that virus. Specifically, it’s the pneumonia that ends up putting you on the respirator and, possibly ends up killing you. In fact, any underlying condition that would make you more susceptible to pneumonia means that if you catch COVID you’re more likely to suffer from severe complications or death.

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          3. Joerg,

            “So, if you die, was it the COVID that killed you, or the diabetes? The COVID, obviously.”

            Not so fast. I have diabetes and do the best I can with it. Diabetes is slowly killing me. Along comes COVID which “encourages” my death. I’d say diabetes killed me while the COVID merely helped it along.

            3
          4. Rod is correct! Hospitals get paid COVID bonuses that average $30,000 + for each reported case of COVID. That is why hospitals really test every patient for COVID regardless of the reason they came in the hospital. It’s about Money folks.

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          5. People like Joerg H. will always attempt to guide the conversation towards their line of thought. He has a right to his opinion but he has no right to be wrong in his facts. He blames covid and not any of the secondary ailments for killing people. Remdesivir given to patients in Hospitals is accountable for most all of the Respiratory deaths in Hospitals. Check out Dr. Robert Malones video “Watch the Water”. It explains all you need to know. Remdesivir kills vital organs in the body and they knew this! But as you said, it is all about the money!

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          6. Plenty of reasons to be skeptical of Robert Malones, he isn’t what he claims to be…this quote from the New York Times sum’s him up well as well as the reality of what many of the misinformationists do….
            “Robert Malone is exploiting the fact that data-driven course correction is inherent to the scientific process to peddle disinformation,” Dr. Rasmussen said. “It’s extraordinarily dishonest and morally bankrupt.”

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          7. I would wager $100.00 you didn’t watch the video then. You have tunnel vision and the only thing you see at the end of the tunnel is “covid”! I have watched many videos and have read many articles both Pro and con, on covid. I have made my decisions based on that information. Because both sides of the debate are the “extreme” opposite of each other, you have to weigh the reasoning presenting (because it is way too soon to say anything is factual yet) and make your own decision based on common sense. You and I are on the opposite side of this topic and will never agree on anything. So, enjoy life John and I hope you stay safe doing whatever it is you are doing. Mahalo

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          8. What is so sad is the Doctors and Nurses who were on the front lines treating Covid patients are true heroes. The hours they worked and the risks they took as well as the fact that many died in the prevaccine days should earn them nothing but respect. Yet the conspiracy theorists feel they are fair game to make unfounded claims about them. Honesty, integrity and respect sure seems to be a thing of the past and yes, it’s all about the money, people will say anything if they think it’s to their advantage.

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          9. When people bring up the money make sure you look at the anti vax people making a lot of money peddling unproven vax “alternatives” Frontline Doctors are not the only ones getting rich , most of them seem profit driven. On the other hand, CDC, WHO etc are staffed by highly qualified people that actually do research for a living and their paycheck is not effected by what they discover or say.. There is no denying a healthy lifestyle helps protect you from Covid, nor can you deny the vaccine can save your life. People are getting rich trying to deny otherwise.

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          10. John, you have gone off the deep end. You, or anyone else can prove to me that the shots (they are not vaccines) is capable of saving anyone’s life!

            4
          11. Geez Ed, I didn’t know you were that deep in the Rabbit Hole, you’ve really buried yourself in misinformation if you can’t even acknowledge that vaccinated people are far less likely to die from Covid then unvaccinated ones. Do you really think that any credible organization from The Mayo Clinic to the Swiss Medical Center and everyone in between is wrong? That throughout the world all the leading Doctors are mistaken? That there is some kind of secret pact they are all keeping against us to stifle the truth? Really??
            We are all free to chose but it’s unconscionable to try and convince others that that the vaccines are not safe and people shouldn’t take them. People have died from misinformation, I know first hand.

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          12. Hey Ed! Love your independent thinking and sense of humor! You and I are very similar so I think you probably like the comedian Ron White. Have you ever seen his YouTube video “you can’t fix stupid “? Watch it! It is so funny and so true!

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          13. John, I am not attempting to convince anyone to do anything. We are all adults and are totally capable of making our own decisions. But for you to say that the shot is safe is “unconscionable”. There was absolutely no “extensive testing” done prior to releasing them to the public. Therefore, you can not possibly, by any stretch of the imagination, know what the long term effects of these shots are going to be! You talk as if it is already a foregone conclusion of what the future holds. It isn’t! And you do not have a clue either. Neither do all of these so-called “expert” organizations that you like to mention. Once again John, you do as you wish and everyone else will do as they wish! Does that simplify my stance for you?

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          14. I have noticed whenever someone says “I did the research “ they generally come up with some perspective that they think counters the people who actually do research for a living and have the experience, education and data available to them. The people that do it via google should be aware that their search history contributes to information bias….they get fed links that confirm what google thinks they are looking for. There is some very elaborate misinformation stories out there that can fool people hungry for a good conspiracy. Mayo Clinic is not putting out false information and they know what they are doing.

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          15. What’s interesting is that there are many Fact checkers,, depending on your view, you will choose the one that you like better, even tho it’s not true

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          16. It’s called Critical Thinking and it is greatly missing in the world today. Unfortunately, most people just believe most everything they read or see on tv instead of collecting all the info and coming to their own Conclusion. Most studies and white papers are semi-marketing documents slanted to the funding organization or to a specific agenda. Everyone in healthcare knows this.

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          17. No, what I am saying is that anyone who dies of a heart attack while driving a car and then gets in a car accident, they did not die because of the car accident they died because of the heart attack.

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          18. But that’s not what is happening here, Greg. Liberal states Surgeons General ordered hospitals to assign cause of death as COVID just because a car accident victim tested positive for COVID-19… Now that’s misinformation on a grand scale!

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      2. Joerg,

        I offer this question as someone who thinks vaccines are beneficial and as one who has taken the 2 “full” set of shots and the 1st booster. Plan to take the 2nd.

        But, isn’t this COVID virus losing its power over time, over cycles – having nothing to do with vaccines and masks, etc?

        And is there any real proof rather than circumstantial evidence that the vaccines keep folks from getting COVID? In my home, 2 have at least the first two vaccinations and 2 will not take the shots. Two with the shots mid to late 70s and the other two are in their mid-50s. No one got COVID!!!

        No need to minimize the flu-it’s a serious issue. As I wrote, 15000- 60000 USA deaths per year from the flu (I get flu shots every year, my wife never has/will).

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        1. Yes, there is real proof. They do actually test these vaccines before offering them to the general public.

          Why is this so hard for so many to understand? Health research is exhaustive but the idea of research is simple.

          2
          1. PEGM, how can you actually “test” a vaccine in just a matter of months? This was rolled out without any concrete facts, or tests, that would prove that there will be no, or minimal, side effects from these shots! So no, PEGM, it was not “tested” in the original context of testing! Prove that wrong!

            4
    2. Rod W. That is the most intelligent, comment I have read yet. To the point, taking everyone’s health decision into consideration and not at all combative. Thank you for being the voice of reason! We could use a whole lot more people like you on here. Mahalo!

      1
  4. My husband and are both vaccinated and have had two boosters. We went to the Kaua’i Beach Resort May 5 to hear Jeff Peterson. We both wore N 95 masks but many of the people in the audience were not wearing mass. It was the only activity we had done in five days. Three days after the performance we both tested positive for Covid. We have had mild cases due to our protection from the vaccination but obviously it is very contagious. It shouldn’t be treated like we’re back to normal because we’re not.

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    1. Now wait a minute? You are both vaccinated, you have both had 2 booster shots and You both wore N95 masks. So tell me again why you got the shots and wear masks? I guess because they prevent you from getting Covid from others? Because they definitely didn’t work in your cases! But maybe the next 2 or 3 boosters will do the trick for you guys! Make sure you get them!

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      1. Ed D,

        People believe if you get the shots and wear a mask and DON’T get COVID, those precautions worked.

        Now, I got the shots and the first booster because I get the flu shot every year (oh, the flu kills 15,000 – 60,000 Americans every year – where’s the outrage). My wife got the 2 shots and only to make our annual visit to Hawaii problem free.

        Our son and his wife live with us, they are in their mid 50’s and will not get the shots. So far, no COVID. I wonder why.

        Keep skepticism alive!

        9
        1. Rod W.,
          I am happy to hear that none of you have gotten Covid. Who can be 100% sure why none of you did. You and the wife felt it was in your best interest for whatever reason you had, to get the shot. That is a good thing. You made up your mind and you did what you felt you needed to do.
          Your son and his wife decided not to get the shot. They decided what their best interest was as well. Good for them too.
          The people I have a problem with are those that discount everyone else choices and think they know everything about this. People like John and Joerg H. Personally, I could care less if they got the shot. That is their decision to make and they made it.
          (Continued Below)

          7
          1. Rod W.,

            (cont. from above) But I will be darned if I am going to allow people like these two to get on their soap Box and tell the rest of us how inept we are for not choosing to take the shot. Your last comment made loads of sense and I can relate to your words. Thanks for looking at both sides of the issue!

            6
          2. Here is the problem with that. If getting the shot were just about You, I would agree with you 100%. Make your own decision, take your own chances, I’m good with that. However, it’s NOT just about You, it’s about everyone around you, in your family, your neighborhood, you state, your country, and the world. The only way we can get a handle on this virus is via vaccination. The more people that get vaccinated, the more of a handle we have on things, and the fewer people catch it and possibly get very ill or die.

            1
          3. Actually Ed I have no problem with anyones personal choice, I’ve been on my “soapbox” simply countering the rampant misinformation that surrounds so much of the anti vax perspective. When people say things that are not true about the medical profession or try and say the vaccines haven’t saved lives I’ll gladly point out that false narrative.
            Don’t put too much into peoples posts or take it personally, if we ever met in person I’m confident we would not be adversarial at all and would find more in common then a few blog posts would indicate.
            Aloha and best to you.

            6
          4. John, we may have more in common then these posts would let on but we will never agree on the shot. It is not a vaccine and I will ask you also to point out one ingredient in them that would make them a vaccine? Once again, I will be waiting because you can’t scientifically do that! All you can say is that they make people less sick when they catch it. That is not what a vaccine does. A vaccine prevents one from contracting the virus it is intended to ward off!

            8
          5. Ed,

            Just look at the thumbs up and thumbs down. What did you post to get even a single thumbs down!

            1
          6. John,

            So true.

            One of my best buddies is a confirmed socialist and I’m very conservative. But, we’ve been buds since 1967 and we are not dropping that friendship over some political differences. As you wrote, Dave and I have much in common.

            When I have a project overseas, Dave tries to make it and we share a room. We promise not to talk politics, but eventually get there and find much in common. We’re not looking for ways to put each other down. Rather, listen, discuss, learn.

            5
          7. Good on you Rod…..I’ve got good friends from both sides of the isle. It used to be a healthy mix of the right and left was often what moved us forward…sadly that seems to be a thing of the past

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          8. John, Best to keep it that way. Don’t let the nutcases cause us to lose good friends.

            1
          9. You are both so right. The problem is extremism and it got particularly bad when Trump was elected. For most of my life I remember healthy discussions on opposing points of view but all of a sudden it became “I can’t see or talk to you anymore” even amoung family members. Sad thing is they stick to their bogus beliefs that distancing someone is okay. Come back home to your HP!

            1
          10. Btw I do believe in healthy skepticism and rarely wear a mask anymore. It’s just that skepticism has taken such an unhealthy turn lately and been weaponized by some that I think is sad. I’m actually a big proponent of alternative medicine working with western medicine, but as I said, that perspective has been turned on it’s head of late.

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          11. Ed,

            I’m at the dentist office right now. Big sign Face Mask Required.

            I’m the only one with a mask.
            More later.

            1
          12. Ed,

            It’s okay to try to convince people that you are right. But, too often, they do that by attempting to make you feel their way is the only “scientific” way and you are stupid if you can’t follow.

            And, now that we are into year 3 of this killer, I don’t hear enough voices mentioning “herd immunity.” That’s a real thing, but some just want everyone to follow the mob.

            I always get shots so it’s no big deal. My wife hasn’t had a shot in about 66 years. She only got the shots to avoid any difficulty going to and coming from Hawaii.

            Keep skepticism alive!

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        2. Rod, people also believe if they had Covid and it was mild then the it can’t be as bad as the statistics indicate… soooo , who do you believe, the people with the actual data or anecdotal stories? It’s a very complex issue, none of has the answers..

          4
        3. Hello Rod W. If you think about it, if the normal annual Flu kills 15,000 to 60,000 people a year, why hasn’t our Government made the annual Flu shot a necessity? But yet they are shoving this untested shot on us, as if it were the end of the Earth. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

          3
      2. Did you read were she said the symptoms were mild. That’s what the vaccine does, it does helps to actually prevent Covid or if you get it, it’s extremely successful at preventing hospitalization or death. Why is that concept even argued?

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        1. I think there may be something missing from their story.

          It strains credulity just a little when 2 people, closely linked take all those precautions and come down, at the same time, with the virus they are supposed to have protection against.

          What else did they do and where during those 3 or even 4 or 5 days? Were they exposed when not so well protected? Or is their recollection of all those protections faulty?

          2
      3. Come on, try to understand the vaccines. They do, indeed, very much lessen the chance that you will get covid, the numbers are there. However, if you do get covid it greatly lessens the chance that you will be admitted to a hospital and die.

        Millions upon millions of people worldwide just really don’t want to die right now. Suit yourself.

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        1. I got Covid, whole house did. No vax and had a headache and fatigue for a few days. Lost taste and smell and that’s it. My 70 year old mother in law and 80 year old father in law were with us and didn’t get it (they had Covid months before, no vax, very mild symptoms). Vaccine or not, basic science is that it will depend on your health. If you have comorbitities you should be careful and choose wisely. But if you are healthy, then you could have mild symptoms like the 7 of us in one house (and all of my other friends as well…mild symptoms). And we still have antibodies, been exposed weekly to Covid (we get the emails) and haven’t had it since! Going on a year now! Follow the money and use critical thinking.

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  5. Okay, here it is:
    cdc.gov/nchs/data/health_policy/covid19-comorbidity-expanded-12092020-508.pdf

    Basically only 6% of deaths were COVID alone, while 94% had 2.9 or more other existing conditions.

    To sum it up, as has been said, if you have a condition your doctor thinks is that severe (you’re in the 96% comorbidity group), buy an N-95 mask NOW and be very safe.

    If you’re Not in that group, please stop the panic peddling. Aloha!

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    1. Well with the obesity problem in the US I’d say that about half of the population has that co-morbidity alone.

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  6. My family and I went to Maui from the 15th of April to the 19th. We stayed with my sister in law in Makawao. We still wore masks while out shopping, going to restaurants and walking around Lahaina. We didn’t take any chances, and hoped that we didn’t get exposed during the flight over. Covid is something that should be taken seriously. Thanks BOH

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      1. I loved it!! My sister-in-law took us on the Pacific Whale boat to see the whales. We saw several coming to the surface. It was awe inspiring. We couldn’t visit her two years ago, when my brother passed away; at least he got to move to Maui and enjoy his last days in paradise.. We hope to visit again, and I’m hoping in three years, that I will be able to move to Oahu. I miss the Aloha spirit; that’s what I grew up with; to respect others; the land and the environment. It’s becoming a missing aspect of life here on the mainland; especially in California. I have several skills; work and otherwise, that I’d like to contribute to Hawaii, to “give back”, if possible.

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  7. Remove All of the government stipends for treating CoVid patients and just watch how fast those hospitalization numbers drop! Until that nonsense stops this nonsense will not stop!

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  8. I live on Kauai and I am working a temp job in an older building with poor ventilation using portable AC units in use because their older AC doesn’t work properly. Many of the buildings on Kauai were built before 1980, some as far back as the 1940s. I think the state needs funding to address building ventilation and infrastructure issues now, since COVID and possibly future pandemics are ongoing. Just my opinion.

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    1. Kaui has a ton of covid $ AND taxes from transient accommodations, so where does all the money go? Ask the Gov.. they destroyed $22Million in expired covid tests here on Maui, that’s right, twenty two million last week, waste of $ trust your elected officials.. not

      3
  9. I am sorry for the editors and all of the people of and on Kauai that you are going through this. I hope the spike is short lived. I’m sure we all hope this is over quickly for you all.

    Thank you,
    Gary

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    1. The CDC has become a political arm of the Biden Administration. That organization has zero credibility after all their false and misleading statements, mandates and propaganda spit out over the past two and a half years. 99 % of the masks people wear are less than 3% effective from preventing anyone from catching the common cold much less anything else.
      People with preexisting conditions, especially respiratory should take precautions, but 99.9 % of us have little to worry about. )

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      1. There is actual information to be found on the Internet. It’s not all stuff made up by crazy people, you should try it.

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        1. You’re right, PEGM:

          cdc.gov/nchs/data/health_policy/covid19-comorbidity-expanded-12092020-508.pdf

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        2. That’s true, there is, but there’s also a FLOOD of misinformation, disinformation, and just plain generally crazy stuff as well. So how do you navigate all that? My approach is to only believe what’s published by medical professionals that are working in the field of epidemiology, etc. and only look at studies that have been peer reviewed. I also follow the advice of my Dr. and public health professionals. I tend to ignore all of the “I did my own research” folks who got their degree from Google U.

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      2. I think the there are about 1 million people in this country that would disagree with you the COVID is no big deal. Well, that is if they weren’t dead from COVID…

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  10. You are going to see the vaccinated getting the virus in the next few months, look at the data, look at countries that have higher % of vaccinated those countries are getting the virus at a greater rate. Masks do not work. Get yourself healthy, lose weight, take vitamins D and zinc. Stay well. We unfortunately needed herd immunity, instead we got an experiment, that is not working.

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    1. Well Bonnie, pretty much the entire Medical research community and Medical profession will say the vaccines are very effective at preventing hospitalization and death. I’ll go with them rather then “Bonnie on the Internet” personally I have seen an increase of people I know that have been getting Covid here on Oahu. The vaccinated ones it seems last 2-3 days, the one unvaccinated person was in his 20’s and was sick for over a week and still feels less then 100% but isn’t bad.

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      1. Also Bonnie, Your mask statement should read cloth masks are less effective and improperly worn masks don’t work, however a properly worn N95 or KN 95 is very effective…or do you think all those Doctors and Nurses who wear them are mistaken? You are correct that a healthy lifestyle is a great preventative measure, however it’s so sad that some people are willing to throw the less fortunate under the bus because their life circumstances hasn’t afforded them the opportunity to eat healthy and exercise. It’s way to simplistic to say just eat better and exercise and you’ll be fine like me. Narcissistic even.

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        1. John – Masks, even N-95 masks, are not effective against viruses. Viruses are so small, they freely move through all masks. You should stop spreading fear. I do not know a Doctor that wears a mask when we are not in the Hospital. The best prevention is eating healthy food, getting sunshine for natural vitamin D3, lose unnecessary weight and take Zinc, D3, C and Quercietin supplements to super charge your immune system.

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          1. Well Beachbob, the Mayo Clinic, the Harvard Medical school and all the other top Medical Research Facilities have a different opinion than you. I’ll go with them. I am curious, what is your source?
            Sorry if that sounds a little harsh but when you know someone that bought into anti vax misinformation and died as result you may see things a little differently. Why do you think those Doctors you mentioned wear an N95 at work if they are ineffective?

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        2. Who is throwing the less fortunate under the bus? People need to be aware of what is happening, the virus is not going away, so what can we do, get healthy, stay safe and look for early treatments. Doctors need to treat the unhealthy early in the virus. We can not live in fear, you cannot close down society again. This virus has a 99+% rate of survival, we all had great hope for the vaccine, unfortunately it hasn’t panned out exactly as promised.

          Herd immunity is our only way out of this pandemic.

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          1. There are many people working 2 or 3 jobs raising a family that simply don’t have the time, resources or circumstances to live the healthy lifestyle that you are saying they should. It may be easy for you, but for many it’s not. I do agree we can’t go back to shutting down again, the people that are still dying are mostly the unvaxed and have chosen to take that chance. However trying to spread the lie that the vaccine doesn’t work has cost a lot of lives by the people who were vulnerable to that false narrative. Everything you say about what we can do is true, it just leaves out the best defense is in fact the vaccine.

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          2. According to peer-reviewed medical studies, the vaccines are not effective. I find it even more interesting that the medical studies funded by the pharmaceutical companies (that are not peer-reviewed) show the vaccines work. That is a conflict of interest.

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          3. Could you please name those peer reviewed studies. I’ld love to take a look at them as all I’ve seen are ones that show that the vaccines are safe, and effective at preventing serious illness and/or death in most people.

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          4. Well you heard it here first, BeachBobs peers say the vaccines don’t work….somebody better tell the Mayo Clinic, and Harvard Medical School and any other respected authority on the subject that knows how to actually do research they are wrong…Bob you are trying to spread misinformation that has already killed 10’s of 1000’s of people. The vaccines have saved many lives, many others have died because they weren’t vaccinated yet you want to prevent people from making the personal choice that could save their life.

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        3. Hey John, why don’t you take the time to read Marsha M. comment above. Both her and her husband got the shot, 2 boosters, wore the N95 masks and still got covid. Tell me again how effective they are?

          10
          1. Peg,

            Per Ed, “Both her and her husband got the shot, 2 boosters, wore the N95 masks and still got covid.”

            Per you, “Yes, and they’re not Dead.”

            We don’t know why they aren’t dead. Most people who get COVID, vaxxed or not, don’t die from it.

            To suggest that all their precautions prevented a more serious outcome is circumstantial at best. I, probably you, and most on this forum are just stating opinions and links to govt resources that have an interest in supporting the administration’s position. As I’ve written before I’ve had 3 shots so far, so I’m no ant-vaxxer. I just don’t know if the shots are as good as we all hope. And, does the govt have the right to force them…

            7
          2. PEGM, Neither are I, or my wife. We both came down with covid in January of this year. Neither one of us have taken the shot. We both took Ivermectin, Vitamins D3, C and Zinc. On the third morning we were as good as new. So getting covid does not mean you will die if you haven’t taken the shot. So quit the fear mongering!

            6
          3. This is exactly the kind of misinformation that’s getting spread that’s a danger to public health. Ivermectin, as I said earlier, isn’t indicated as a treatment for COVID. It’s been studied, and how to not only not help, but can be dangerous depending on where you get it. Hers’s a statement from the FDA on the subject: fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19

            Also, just because YOU got COVID and didn’t die, doesn’t mean that the next person that you spread it to won’t get seriously ill or die.

            1
          4. Joerg H., For every study you produce that says Ivermectin does not work, I will produce one that says it does. Watch the interview with Dr. Bryan Ardis titled “Watch the Water”. If you are serious about wanting to combat disinformation and are actually open to all of the possibilities of what is actually going on, please watch it.

            3
          5. See my answer above. I’m all for personal choice but don’t get why anti vax people have to spread misinformation to try and undermine the Medical Profession’s unanimous point that the vaccine has saved 10’s of 1000’s of lives. It’s a great defense against Covid as is a healthy lifestyle. Making your own choice is fine, but I have a problem with people spreading anti vax misinformation when people vulnerable to conspiracy theories are dying because they chose not to get vaccinated.

            12
          6. Rod W., like I said earlier: There are a lot of “opinionated people” on here, that think they have all of the answers. Just today I read that while Heart problems from the shots were in the Hundreds, Blood Clotting problems are in the Thousands. In “normal” times, they would have stopped the shots a long time ago. But these are no longer normal times! So where does that leave us? Who knows but I can only say for myself that I don’t trust anyone from the Government.

            5
          7. Ed,

            Good point. Heck, 2 problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)and that year/model will be recalled.

            But, these pols have so much invested in control they will never back off.

            Gotta give them a good whipping on November 8.

            Rod

            2
          8. Also Ed did you take the time to read Marsha’s post? The part about the symptoms being mild? That’s what the vaccine does with the breakthrough cases, that’s why the direct correlation between the higher the vaccine rate the lower the death rate.
            Gotta go, Bill Gates is tracking me😀

            7
          9. John – you spread fear with no experience or accurate knowledge about this subject (I can tell by how you speak you are not in healthcare). Only look at “peer-reviewed” studies. We are being manipulated for money and power. Healthcare has been threatened to keep quiet. You are the one spreading disinformation and with no professional experience.

            9
          10. Actually Bob…you are the one spreading fear of the vaccine…..you have no idea what my connection to the Medical community is or how many relatives I have that are well qualified to speak on the subject. The vaccines have saved a lot of lives. Make your own choice but trying to talk people out of a potential lifesaving choice is unconscionable. You are far less vulnerable to dying from Covid if you follow a healthy lifestyle and get vaccinated. Beyond that I recommend getting on with your life and put the fear that’s been generated these last couple years behind you. The anti vax movement is rife with misinformation, that should tell you something.

            11
          11. I don’t know who’s right and wrong and it may be none of us on this forum.

            But, can someone check the numbers (I just can’t)? So, how many Americans dies in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. And, the total population of the USA in those years. Then I will be able to draw some meaningful conclusions.

            Mahalo,
            Rod

            5
          12. Bob, for the record you are actually saying the overwhelming majority of healthcare professionals and the medical research community are only saying that the vaccines are very effective at preventing death because they feel threatened??? By who? You really believe that? That’s truly an amazing perspective…Auwe!

            10
          13. BeachBob, truer words were never spoken. But you may as well talk to a wall because you will get the same response. I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that doesn’t buy into the narrative!

            3
          14. All that proves is that the vaccine is doing its job and keeping people from getting AS sick and/pr dying. This is the reason that inspite of the increase in cases, we aren’t seeing an equal increase in hospitalization and/or deaths. If more people were vaccinated and boosted, the uptick in hospitalizations and deaths would be even less.

            3
          15. John – People can choose what the want to do. If they want to get a unproven medical experiment (it is not a vaccine by definition- look it up) injected into them or wear a mask on their face or on their head, that is their free choice. It is you that is trying to convince people to get the jab and wear masks.

            Please stop scaring people! Hawaii is open and provides the best experiences this world has to offer. In living life, we should be cautious, but never fearful. Aloha.

            8
          16. Bob I totally agree with your final sentence. All I’m saying is the vaccine is safe and how wrong it it is to spread misinformation to prevent people from getting it. The CDC states that you are 10 times more likely to die from Covid if you are unvaccinated. Here’s a quote from my above post…
            “You are far less vulnerable to dying from Covid if you follow a healthy lifestyle and get vaccinated. Beyond that I recommend getting on with your life and put the fear that’s been generated these last couple years behind you. “ How is that spreading fear?

            9
          17. John – we won’t know for years what the COVID shots do to the human body. The J & J shot was recently taken off the market and no one knows how mRNA shots will effect human DNA or the human body in general. These determinations take years and decades to know.

            5
          18. Good job Bob!
            Long live Kauai!
            All the best to every positive thinking person.
            Mahalo Nui Loa:)

            3
          19. Hey BeachBob, it is a shame that people are giving you “thumbs down” for telling the truth. Shows how many have been hoodwinked!

            4
          20. The only ones that are being hoodwinked here are folks like you. The vaccines are safe and effective, and the only way we have a chance to “get back to normal”. Spreading FUD (Fear Uncertainty and Doubt) about them on social media isn’t helping in that effort.

            2
          21. Thanks Ed! Too many people allow other people to think for them, instead of coming to conclusions on their own. Also, people are overly sensitive theses days and want to interfere in others lives like wearing masks. If masks were effective against viruses (which they are not), then people who want to wears masks should “feel” comforted that they are protecting from getting COVID. Unfortunately, these same people believe in the illogical fallacy that “if you wear a mask, then I won’t get COVID”. Everyone should choose with their own decision on whether they want to wear a mask or get the shots. No one has the right to tell anyone what they can and cannot do and that applies to both sides of the discussion.

            4
          22. I would agree with you if the consequences of your “choice” only effected You. Sure, don’t take any precaution if it’s only your health/life you are impacting. Unfortunately, this is a virus that your choice would help spread to Others, thus your choice impacts other people, making your “choice” a self centered one that doesn’t take into consideration those around you. If you want to live in a civilized society, sometime you have to do things for the “greater good” that you might not like.

            1
          23. Joerg – Our Constitution provides freedom to individuals over groups of people. If you believe your shots and masks work, then you have every right to protect yourself in that way and I support that right. If you protect yourself, then you do not need to demand or ask anyone else to follow your your decisions. Be free to make your owns choices and allow others to be free to make their own choices too.

            4
          24. Our freedom to “do as we please” isn’t unlimited. If it were it would be anarchy, which is exactly what you are advocating. If you want that, I suggest that you buy an island somewhere (not Hawaii). If you want to live in a civilized society then there are certain things that you may have to do that you don’t like. Vaccines work, masks work, and both are needed when there’s a pandemic. Spreading FUD (Fear Uncertainty and Doubt) on social media just prolongs how long the rest of us have to deal with this.

            2
          25. Joerg…brah, you do realize our bodies were made to fight off viruses right? Our bodies were made that way so when a new virus comes out it doesn’t kill off the entire human race. When you are telling everyone they are spreading misinformation because it doesn’t meet your current view, please make sure you also acknowledge the other side of the science which is our bodies natural immune systems. There is so much information out there and so many personal experiences, why be so close minded cousin?

            3
          26. Can’t think of anyone that was forced to get the vaccine. It was rightfully made a requirement in certain fields…..hospitals , airlines police and fire etc were having Covid could adversely effect the safety of others and the job is one that all kinds of regulations are the norm and justified. Obviously you couldn’t keep soldiers that thought it was ok to disobey orders based on what they read on Facebook, but beyond that it has been a free choice. I do support that, believe it or not.

            4
          27. John, Freedom of choice doesn’t end when you work for any of the agencies you mentioned. Same with the Military, because many decided not to get the shots, you immediately accuse them of listening to people on line. Why can’t it be that they made their decision based on their own beliefs and experiences? Why does it have to be as you are inferring?

            3
          28. Because Ed, it undermines what the Military requires to succeed., following orders. These people had already taken vaccinations but for some reason they decided against this one. Purely political or purely misinformation from online, but the bottom line is soldiers can’t pick and choose what they will or won’t do. They have an important mission and their battle readiness is crucial. …Slippery slope when the Internet or Cable News can dictate what our troops do.

            2
          29. Also Ed, freedom of choice doesn’t mean you can decide which safety protocols are or aren’t for you. Do you think it’s alright for nurses or doctors to decide they don’t want to wear a mask if they operate on you? The anti vax people also say the same about masks. Should those people also have the “freedom of choice” to tend to a Covid patient unvaxxed and unmasked and then treat you next? It’s their right to make up their own mind?

            1
      2. Three of us, ages 66, 71 and 86, all came down with Covid in January and took Ivermectin from Day 1. On the third morning, all of us were feeling like brand new. My wife and I are unvaccinated. Her Father is vaccinated.

        24
        1. Ivermectin is Not indicated for use as a treatment for COVID. Well, unless you are a horse. The FDA has made this very clear. The fact that you took it and then felt better is not proof of anything. fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19

          Again, more misinformation spreading on this website. Folks, please follow medical professionals’ advice in regards to COVID and its treatment. Someone with a degree from Google University isn’t qualified to give you any advice on medical treatment.

          4
      3. I want to clarify some muddiness in the preceding and following posts:

        1.) CDC and Fauci clearly said the Vaccine would prevent both the catching and spreading of COVID. That was said to be wrong by the manufacturers. It will help you get “less sick” which is still playing out

        2.) Have you noticed how many people actually have N95 masks? I am double vaxxed and boosted but I hate misinformation and use disposable tight fitting when I deem it necessary.

        5
        1. That’s an oversimplification of what was said, and what’s the truth. The bottom line is that the vaccine will do both, however, its ability to keep you from “catching” COVID is rather short-term. However, its ability to keep you from getting so sick you get hospitalized and/or dying lasts much longer.

          To be more accurate the vaccine actually Never stops the virus from entering your body. The “short-term” effect, however, is that the vaccine will stop the virus Very early (probably before it leaves your nasal tract). Longer-term the vaccine trains your body on how to fight the virus, and that’s where the “not as sick/dead” part comes in.

          5
          1. Joerg is missing my point. Numerous CDC and government officials (including PSA’s still running) have falsely claimed that vaccine prevents the catching and spreading of COVID. Factual evidence proves those claims are false.

            4
          2. What evidence? Again, I listen and get my information from medical professionals who are experts in the field such as those at the CDC, FDA, and NIH. Not from some guy with a YouTube channel transmitting from his mothers basement who has a degree in Conspiracy Theory from Google University.

            3
          3. “Not from some guy with a YouTube channel transmitting from his mothers basement who has a degree in Conspiracy Theory from Google University.”

            Funny stuff!!!

            But, those basement guys sometimes go on to found companies like Microsoft, Apple, and HP…Elon Musk.

            3
      4. Well John, I will go with what I feel is best for me and my family than “John on the Internet”. However, thanks for your 2 cents.

        4
        1. Wise Choice Greg….Listen to the experts and be skeptical of anything you read on the Internet!

          6
          1. See John, Greg did not mention a thing about listening to your so-called experts! All he said was that he does what he feels is best for him and his family! That is the way it should be. But people like you have to keep pumping the narrative that the shot is the greatest thing you can do. That is a total fallacy! There are thousands of people that now are dealing with Blood Clots from the shots! Are you going to tell me that is not true John?

            4
          2. Ed there is a tiny risk of Blood Clots with the J and J shot , just like there is from many other things, from birth control pills to orthopedic surgery. Everything has a risk factor. That said you are far more likely to get a blood clot if you catch Covid then from the jab. Btw it’s not “1000’s “,
            All that said I think the number of people reading what the few of us are saying is even fewer…we have hijacked the thread enough. Make your own choice and you may not trust Government but the overwhelming majority of the reputable medical profession disagree with much of what you say. Be skeptical of the skeptics!
            Aloha and be safe.

            4
          3. John, no reply button on my screen for your post to Ed that includes: “but the bottom line is soldiers can’t pick and choose what they will or won’t do. They have an important mission and their battle readiness is crucial. …Slippery slope when the Internet or Cable News can dictate what our troops do.”

            Well, therefore, the govt has an even greater responsibility to make sure their mandates to the military are reasonable and not harmful. Have they?

            If “battle readiness is crucial” how then can they place females in combat roles?

          4. Rod W. Not sure what is going on with BOH these days but I am encountering the same issue with no “reply” option on several of comments I wish to respond to. But I agree, the Military has absolutely no right to force anyone to take an unproven, untested shot. It may turn out down the road that the shots were the way to go. Who knows? But there has not been enough time to test and experiment with these shots to make me feel comfortable and confident, that there will be no negative effects down the road. That is the reason I am all for being able to say no to the shots, no matter what profession you are in! Mahalo Rod!

            2
          5. Ed,

            When I joined the Marines in 1963, they gave us a bunch of shots and added to the initial load as we traveled to different countries. But, I don’t recall them giving us any questionable, rushed shots.

            But, discharging, skilled, competent soldiers, airmen, sailors, coasties, and Marines for refusing shots is unconscionable. They are putting the nation’s security at risk over a political decision. And, if they are discriminating based on rank or certain skills, that needs to be known.

            I’m a federal prime contractor – small potatoes – but there are COVID vax hoops I have to jump through, it’s crazy.

            As you know from my posts I have taken 3 shots so far and plan to take the 4th – but that’s my free will choice.

            Take care,
            Rod

            1
  11. I’m on Oahu now and must say the vast majority of people are not wearing masks anywhere indoors or out,including myself, if I get covid I get covid, nothings gonna stop me from partying

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  12. At this point…we have known what our best measures are. Getting vaccinated or getting Covid and recovering. The studies are not showing masks are as effective unless they are N95 grade. So, just be safe out here and make the best decisions for your own self!

    30
    1. Crispelie, you missed an option: 20+million dead worldwide so far, and counting, at a minimum. Decide wisely.

      10
      1. J G, you missed the back up stats that there is only 6% of the count that was directly related to Covid with no comorbitities. Did you know that 262 million people suffer from Asthma? How about 3 million people die each year from COPD. Both asthma and COPD are respiratory. Any type of respiratory virus is going to cause severe harm to someone with just these two respiratory diseases alone; and people with these two illnesses shouldn’t be wearing an N95 mask. We need to learn to live with this and start educating people on healthy lifestyles, figuring out why chronic disease has risen drastically in 30 years and let people make their own choices.

        17
      2. JG is pushing fear! That does not help anyone to make an intelligent decision about their own health.

        15
      3. I think Crispelie has a point. Those 20 million deaths were mostly unvaccinated and also if everyone actually did wear a N95 mask properly I’m sure many of those deaths could have been prevented. I think she is saying get vaccinated and if in a high risk situation wear a good mask.
        That makes sense to me

        6
  13. Mahalo Beat of Hawai’i, once again your insightful reporting is helping others plan for what could be game changing event.
    I’m incredibly worried about what’s coming in the COVID wave.
    After being away from Ohana for far too long, several are scheduled to visit Maui in September.
    I can’t believe we’re dealing with the unknown, again.
    Stay safe guys!
    Aloha and Blessings to all 🙏🏼💕🌺

    9
    1. Hi Pam.

      Thank you. We have seen this coming for about 3 or 4 weeks. What about over there on Maui? Have a great weekend!

      Aloha.

      3
  14. Yep, here now and want to be safe and keep others safe so we will be wearing masks in door!

    19
  15. We just are getting over Covid. We’re vaccinated and boosted. Our 2 year old grandson who had it first and unvaccinated got it from his cancer survivor (other) grandma who wears a mask everywhere and still got it. We all basically had bad colds. Lasted a couple of days, even for the toddler, nothing higher than a 100.2 fever. Fatigue lasted a few days longer. It’s very contagious but it’s very mild—we now have a count of 17 we know who have had it this past month and NO ONE was “sick” beyond bad cold symptoms. That included several over 65, 2 with diabetes, 1 with Parkinson’s, and a couple unvaccinated toddlers! Coming to Maui is October and hoping masks are optional.

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    1. CC, your experience seems to be a common one. The virus appears to becoming less and less virulent then in the beginning and of course had none of those people been vaccinated your story would likely have been quite different. Seems like vaccines, herd immunity and the gradual decline in the severity of Covid is all heading in the right direction.

      8
  16. We just visited last month after the mask restrictions had been lifted. It was nice to not have to wear a mask and I felt pretty safe unmasked. (Vaxxed and boosted) If we went into a store/restaurant where the employees were all masked, we did the same. No biggie. Go with the flow, be respectful. It’s not that hard. I love Kauai and the kind people that live there and can’t wait to return.

    7
  17. People have been covering their faces and sheltering inside avoiding everything for two years. Of course once people start living their lives it’s going to sore because they have not been exposed to many germs for over 2 years. I unfortunately don’t trust the CDC or DOH have the peoples best interests in mind now, due to the recent investigation findings that the CDC withheld hospitalization and vaccine data, the agency’s use of citizens’ cell phone data to track compliance, and its collusion with activist teachers unions to undermine school re-openings. Go out, expose yourself to daily germs, wash your hands, stay home if you are sick, eat healthy, exercise, get vaccinated if you are at risk, and rest when you are under the weather. Aloha!

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        1. I typically get my medical advice from a professional, not some random guy in the comments section, but you be your sweet little self.

          3
          1. Hey PegM, no one is giving you advice. We are simply saying do as you choose to do and don’t worry about the rest of us that do not agree with your path. We make our own choices and don’t need anyone on line giving us any directives, or insulting us because we decided to Not get the shot! That includes you!

            3
      1. -Science is always changing-follow the science historically means live and learn;adapt and move forward

        4
    1. Vaccinated and boosted-avoided and still avoid large gatherings–the time for optional ,personal risk assessment mask wearing is now

      3
  18. It is the same on Maui. the 400+ case number is so not accurate.I personally know of 60 people who have it and I know some of them only used home tests. It is really really everywhere now and yes, not dying but really sick. Some vaccinated/bosted people have all the symptoms and sickness and dont test positive so cant get the treatment. I have some very sick friends. It just sucks. I wear my mask indoors everywhere and dont eat in indoor restaurants.

    15
  19. 1,000,000+ dead in the USA and people still think it’s a cold. We’ll continue to wear our N95 on our upcoming visit just as we did on our January/February visit and as we do at home.
    When you wear a mask the government surveillance cameras don’t know who you are 😉

    24
    1. The question is. How did those 1 million people really die? Was it truly from covid, or something else…have you heard of remdesivir? I know many many more who died post-vaccination than from covid the actual disease, sadly. How many people do you know who died from covid before the vaccines? How many people to you know who died during the last year and a half since the vaccines were rolled out?

      20
  20. Wow! Isn’t that funny that all of a sudden, just when it is high Tourist season, covid is rising!

    22
  21. Come back with actual hospital numbers. Testing positive doesn’t mean much as this mutated strain is like a cold. Masks should only be worn if you are sick and contagious otherwise they are useless. Sunshine, Salt water and the Aloha spirit is what it’s all about!

    48
    1. Another self appointed expert. Science is truth. Science doesn’t care what you believe.

      9
      1. science evolves-when science believed that the Earth was the center of the universe,Copernicus propose that the planets revolves around the Sun -science

        6
        1. Jeanne F – your comments are so random and general. How does that evolve the conversation?

          3
  22. I’m here,and wearing a mask every time I enter anywhere. I’m surprised at the lack of mask wearing by service workers in both the South and North Shores, yet there are a variety of shops and restaurants closed due to no available staff due to Covid. I rarely see tourists with masks.

    21
    1. Why should” service workers” as you describe them;wear a mask?-Who do you define as being a “ service worker”?

      3
      1. “Service workers means individuals in positions that include food service, cleaning service, personal service, and protective service activities. Skill may be acquired through formal training, job-related training or direct experience”

        Source: lawinsider.com

  23. Nope. Im in Maui for 2 weeks and no plans to wear masks. If a business requires masks, i will go somewhere else. We had strict mask rules in California and that didn’t work.

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  24. Like you, with no hesitation, we wouldn’t head into tight indoor spaces without N95 masks ourselves. We also would gladly follow the CDC’s suggestions to wear masks indoors and on any public transportation (e..g., shuttle buses, crowded boats and planes) and continue social distancing and avoiding crowded poorly ventilated areas. We are happy and fortunate that we’ve delayed our trip again this month and will not return until the pandemic ends and risks become minimal and acceptable.

    31
    1. Than you may never get to visit Hawaii. I don’t think people want this pandemic or the next one or the one after that to end. Especially since they got used to no tourists in the islands.

      32
  25. Our trip is in September. We will probably cancel if the numbers are high on Oahu and Maui. If we come, we will absolutely wear high quality masks indoors. We still do that in our local stores. I know many are sick of Covid and want to pretend it is over. I’m sick of Covid too. However, I know that it is not over.

    34
    1. It will never be over as long as they have gullible individuals that continue to buy into the narrative.

      42
  26. Amazing the people that say “let it run its course”, as if this were a once and done proposition. It doesn’t work that way. Getting serially reinfected with something that has killed so many, disabled a bunch more and in non-serious cases is still something “you don’t want” – with the odds of bad outcomes being the same or worse with successive infections – makes no sense at all.

    28
    1. Sorry Bill M. – I am still trying to figure out what you said. Thanks for voicing your opinion!

      8
      1. Simply – Immunity by infection is a myth, and avoiding infection is the only 100% effective way of avoiding serious illness that is life-limiting or -altering at the present. Some viruses do give lifelong immunity from infection, but Covid doesn’t like any other coronavirus.

        2
        1. What you are espousing is a myth! There most definitely is Herd Immunity. Where did you come up with that? I am sure we would all like to know.

          3
  27. I’m so sorry to hear this BOH! We were all in a big hurry to “get back to normal”, and thus rushed lifting restrictions as soon as the numbers went down. Add to that the “COVID deniers and the vaccine deniers” and you have a recipe for exactly what you are seeing in Kauai. The good news is that the vaccine and the boosters are keeping people from getting as sick, or dying. But, as your friends discovered, for some people it’s still pretty miserable, and for some others, there are long term effects. Hopefully, some reasonable restrictions can get things back under control on your beautiful island!

    31
  28. I have both shots and the 1st booster. Will get my 2nd booster before coming to Oahu in September.

    I don’t care about masks – as others have written, they are jokes. Only required so politicians can feel like they are doing something.

    I typically wear a mask, but only when required and only when holding up banks and gas stations.

    36
    1. Here is just one of many studies proving the efficacy of masks to curtail the spread of covid. I challenge you to cite one study from a respected source proving that masks are a joke.

      med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/09/surgical-masks-covid-19.html

      8
      1. To all the mask denying freedom fighters I say the next time you need surgery, by all means tell the surgeon and entire OR staff to free themselves and go maskless. They are a joke, aren’t they? Then everybody take them off.

        6
        1. To all the Mask believers, I say the next time you go anywhere, wear your mask. After all, this is still a free country. Those of us that realize that masks are a waste of time and do more bad then good, will continue to avoid places that require them. You have your option, we have ours!

          8
    2. What is it about people and masks? Such a simple thing to do to help yourself and your fellow humans. The cry baby mentality is baffling.

      3
      1. What is it about people that want to criticize those of us that don’t want to wear masks? It is not a simple thing to do and can be extremely dangerous to the person wearing them. Breathing in the same germs for a long period of time will definitely be detrimental to your health. Yet there are cry babies on here that just want to criticize those of us that won’t wear them?

        4
  29. I am very happy to hear that Kauai is ignoring CDC guidelines and not adding any additional restrictions. It is my personal opinion that the CDC has lost their credibility to tell the truth and anyone that listens and obeys the CDC is a few French Fries short of a Happy Meal.

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  30. Guys, once again you break the COVID happenings down for us who live here and for visitors alike. A big mahalo for that. Yes, past time to start wearing a mask again here in Kauai, for a while and meanwhile keep up the good work!

    49
    1. Hi Kauaidoug.

      Thanks. We both heard it first from friends all over the island. Well before it made the news. What’s your experience been?

      Aloha.

      7
  31. I have no plan on wearing a mask when I visit next month. For all of those people wearing any mask besides a N95, please do your research. Wearing a cloth mask is like putting on lotion to protect yourself from a sun burn. You feel like you are doing something, but in reality you are still at risk. The longer we try to ignore this virus, the longer it will be a problem. It needs to run its coarse so that our bodies can adapt to living along side of it.

    45
  32. Anyone could have predicted this, as I did a year ago. You lock down the islands and nobody gets it and when you open up guess what? It’s going to run through the population. The vaccines don’t work long term. Masks do nothing, why would you wear them? Even n95s don’t work. Only a respirator with a p100 filter will protect the wearer. But why would you? It’s a bad cold. Thankfully it will have run its course before I come back next Fall. Time to move on with life.

    49
    1. First, N95 masks do work. Science doesn’t care what you believe.
      Secondly, the vast majority of covid cases on the islands have been traced to residents either returning from the mainland or who have had contact with residents returning to the mainland. Perhaps you need to familiarize yourself with the facts before you post again.

      40
      1. Tony S. Not to be disrespectful, but what is your science background and what science are you referring to.
        COVID has been a real killer so, just saying something doesn’t make it true – either way. BTW I have 2 shots + 1 booster.

        Per fiercehealthcare.com, “More than 1,700 healthcare workers have died of COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to a new report (PDF) from one of the largest nurses’ unions in the country. ” Were they wearing masks, vaccinated??

        Per icn.ch “Newly released data from the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests 115,000 healthcare workers died from COVID-19 between January 2020 and May 2021.” Were they wearing masks, vaccinated??

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        1. People die from many different causes every day and that is sad, but is it much worse to stop living because of the fear of death. The Hawaiian Islands offer many of the most beautiful aspects of life. It would be a shame that people would cower in fear instead of creating positive happy memories with loved ones in paradise.

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      2. Once again Tony S., please give us your proof as to where the residents got it from. Your saying so, doesn’t make it a fact either! Perhaps YOU need to present your facts instead of just making an assertion!

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    2. Exactly !!!! look at the data only a respirator as you mentioned may work… If people Choose to wear them knock yourself out wear them
      PS all the data is showing lock down and masks do nothing to stop the spread. And those who got the vaccine are the ones that are getting sick… Data out of Ireland, Taiwan, New Zealand, England, etc.

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        1. Not true…I’m unvaccinated and wouldnt be able to type this if I were dead…still alive and kicking…and so is my mom and dad. What is true is I am hearing of tons of vaccinated coming down with covid…but very few unvaccinated getting covid. Why is that???

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        2. MARY E., that is not accurate. We did not get the shot (it is not a vaccine by definition) and we got covid in January, our symptoms were mild, we took Ivermectin from day 1 and by the third morning were feeling as good as new! Sorry to shoot holes in your “you are going to die” narrative if you don’t get the shot!

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      1. Yes, the data shows it…and so does real life. Most getting covid are the vaccinated.

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        1. Most people are vaccinated, so of course you are going to hear about them. If you are vaccinated and get Covid it’s likely not dangerous, if you are unvaccinated and get Covid you still have a good chance of recovering if you aren’t in the higher risk group, but you’re not as safe as the vaccinated. Using your personal experience as if that defines the situation for everyone is quite narcissistic. Covid is like Russian Roulette, just because you had an empty chamber doesn’t mean everyone will. I get pretty tired of the “I was fine so who cares about anyone else” perspective.

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          1. I don’t believe that Susie was saying anything like that. Also, no one cares what you are getting tired of.

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