News

Wailuku, Maui, HI (December 21, 2021) – The Maui Health Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team is closely monitoring the COVID-19 daily counts and positivity rates for the state and Maui County. Although over 80% of the new cases reported since Friday are attributed to Oahu, Maui County did see an exponential increase in new cases and a positivity rate increase to 2.7% (compared with 1.9% on Friday). It is likely Maui will experience a surge of cases soon.

Maui Health preparedness continues, and we are grateful to the 97% of employees who have been vaccinated. The remaining three percent continue with regular, weekly testing. In addition, the many protective measures in place for nearly two years have remained in place including universal masking, COVID-19 testing, N95 respirator use, face protection, and screening prior to entering all facilities.

While it is unclear if these new cases are caused by the Omicron variant, our health care team remains prepared to care for any COVID-19 positive patient in need of hospitalization. In addition, Maui Memorial Medical Center (MMMC) is now the only site on island to administer monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb) treatment, an FDA emergency use authorization treatment for reducing severity of COVID-19 symptoms in positive individuals at risk for developing severe disease. The treatment is effective for patients who are early in their COVID-19 positive diagnosis. The MMMC mAb clinic is currently working to expand capabilities. If you are trying to schedule a mAb treatment, please do not go to the MMMC emergency room for mAb treatment without an appointment. After reviewing qualifications and treatment indications at www.mauihealth.org/mab, please email your appointment request to MHS-CovidTherapies-Outpt@kp.org.

As the holiday activities quickly approach, and the positivity rates continues to climb, this is an important reminder that COVID-19 is still very much part of our world and that we need to continue with the precautionary measures to protect yourself, your loved ones, our community, and hospital resources.

What you can do:

• The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the best defense, and research has shown the booster dose is highly effective at reducing the risk of contracting the Omicron variant.
• The Maui Memorial Medical Center, Main Lobby Vaccine Clinic is here to help!
  • Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through January 2022 *Closed December 23, 24 and 31
  • No appointment needed, walk-ins are welcome during clinic hours
    *Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
  • Administering first, second, third and booster doses to all qualified individuals
    • To qualify for a booster dose, you must be at least 16 years old, and six months past your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two months past your single dose of Johnson & Johnson
  • Also offering pediatric doses (for ages 5 – 11), while supplies last

Please do your part -get your entire family vaccinated, including your keiki (5 years of age and older)! Remember to wear your mask, practice good hand hygiene, and avoid crowds. When attending holiday gatherings, considering taking the party outdoors, continue to wear your mask, and if possible, ask guests to take a COVID test prior to attending the gathering. COVID-19 and its variants are rapidly spreading even among fully vaccinated individuals. The precautions described above, including receiving the booster dose, will help decrease your risk of infection. Maui Health will continue to monitor activities and provide updates as they become available. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.mauihealth.org/covid19.

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About Maui Health
Maui Health, aka Maui Health System, community hospitals and associated clinics affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, includes Maui Memorial Medical Center, Kula Hospital, Lanai Community Hospital and associated clinics, and serves the people of Maui and Lanai. The facilities under Maui Health employ nearly 1700 Maui County residents, partner with over 450 hospital-based physicians, clinicians, and community-based primary and specialty physicians, and are open to all patients regardless of health insurance coverage. Maui Health is committed to delivering high quality, affordable, patient-centered health care and improving the health of the community. Maui Health is supported by Kaiser Permanente’s industry-leading technology systems, evidence-based medicine and nationally recognized care quality. For more information, visit mauihealth.org.