Department of Health reports two new COVID-19 deaths on Kaua’i – The Garden Island

LIHU‘E — The state Department of Health reported two new COVID-19 deaths on the island, bringing the total number of Kaua‘i lives lost to the virus to 47.

Both of the deceased were men over the age of 65 with underlying conditions, who were not hospitalized at the time of their death. The DOH also reported 12 new deaths statewide.

Two Kaua‘i deaths were also reported in January, including a woman in her 70s and a boy under the age of 17.

COVID-19 cases remained steady with 54 new COVID-19 cases on Kaua‘i and 998 new cases statewide from Feb. 21 through Feb. 27.

Kaua‘i’s had a seven-day average of three COVID-19 cases a day, and the Kaua‘i test positivity rate was 6.9 percent, compared with 4.4 percent statewide.

In partnership with the state Department of Health Kaua‘i District Health Office, the county will distribute free COVID-19 home test kits at neighborhood centers from Tuesday through Thursday, March 7 to 9.

About 7,500 free COVID-19 test kits will be distributed, with a maximum of five tests per individual.

Approximately 7,500 COVID-19 home test kits will be distributed, with a limit of five tests per individual or household, on a first-come-first-served basis.

Free home tests from the federal government are still available to households via mail by visiting covid.gov/tests or calling 1-800-232-0233.

For a list of vaccination locations on Kaua‘i, visit kauai.gov/vaccine or call the DOH Kaua‘i District Health Office at 808-241-3495.

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Guthrie Scrimgeour, reporter, can be reached at 808-647-0329 or gscrimgeour@thegardenisland.com.