The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) announced it is in general agreement with the CDC’s updated COVID-19 guidance. 

The new guidelines, which reflect the current level of risk, while still protecting the most vulnerable, ease some restrictions and more closely align COVID-19 with the broader category of respiratory viruses, which include influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

The trend in Hawai‘i is similar to that nationally, in which significant declines in COVID-19 hospitalizations and mortality have been associated with the high degree of population immunity, availability of vaccinations, and access to treatment. As the threat from COVID-19 more closely resembles other common respiratory viruses, CDC is issuing Respiratory Virus Guidance, rather than additional virus-specific guidance. The new pan-respiratory guidance makes it easier for people to take actions to prevent disease spread, even if they are unable to identify the specific respiratory disease.

DOH will be reviewing CDCʻs guidance over the coming week as the department prepares updates to state-level guidance to align with these changes.