COVID-19 hospitalizations continue decline, but health officials worry cutting restrictions could cause a s... - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Libby Char, director of the Hawaii Department of Health said during the Star-Advertiser’s “Spotlight Hawaii” livestream this morning that the state continues to be cautious when it comes to lifting restrictions and fully reopening.

Char said that the state is gradually lifting restrictions on outdoor activities which she said were “quite safe,” and then evaluating the effect.

Char said she didn’t expect COVID-19 cases to be reduced to zero in Hawaii, but that she would be more comfortable if the state was recording, on average, fewer than 100 new cases a day.

The Hawaii Department of Health continues to help coordinate the roll out of vaccines, including booster shots and Pfizer vaccines for kids ages 5 to 11, which are expected to be approved in early November.

On Thursday, the CDC approved booster shots of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for millions of Americans, following approval of boosters of the Pfizer vaccine last month.

As with the Pfizer vaccine, Char said that the boosters are available for people 65 and older, or those who are 18 and older and have certain health conditions.

The boosters are also available to adults whose jobs put them at high risk of exposure, such as teachers and health care workers.

The CDC also said that people could choose a different vaccine for their booster than what they initially received.

Char said that eventually boosters will likely be available for everyone.