COVID-19 Cases Surge in Maui and Beyond: Is Back-to-School to Blame?

State health officials are observing early signs of an increase in COVID-19 cases on the island of Maui, with 14 new cases per day and 112 cases reported in the past week. The cases appear to be mild at this time, but health officials are urging people to get vaccinated and boosted. Testing for COVID-19 was available at shelters opened in response to the Maui wildfires, which have since closed, and over 2,900 individuals are now sheltered at hotel locations. While the exact cause of the increase in cases is unknown, health officials recommend wearing N95 masks in shelters and public places, as well as for protection from smoke and debris in areas affected by wildfires.