The Safe Travels Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Evaluation Testing Program found 45 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases as of November 24, out of 20,253 tests conducted (or 2.2 per 1,000) since the program’s launch on October 19. The data collection phase of this program concludes with this update, and the assessment phase begins.
The assessment phase is being led by DeWolfe Miller, an epidemiologist from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine. He and his team will spend the coming weeks assessing the data collected, and will provide a report to assist state leadership and policy makers in making informed decisions regarding the Safe Travels Hawaiʻi pre-travel testing program.
“At this point, we have more than enough data to draw conclusions from the first phase of this surveillance study,” Miller said. “Our preliminary analysis of the data has left us with early takeaways, but we look forward to further evaluations.”
As the study finishes the assessment phase, a small amount of data may be included in the report over the coming weeks as post-arrival testing partners and counties share information under the current program. Final numbers and analysis will be provided in Miller’s report.
According to Miller, the Safe Travels Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Evaluation Testing Program’s preliminary findings indicate the following:
- Screening and pre-polymerase chain reaction (PCRM) testing will greatly improve sensitivity of the PCR pre-travel test.
- COVID-19 case numbers are increasing at U.S. mainland departure locations. This may impact previous results.
- Very preliminary data analysis revealed a very strong risk for COVID-19 infection in returning residents relative to visitors.
The State of Hawaiʻi will evaluate how the surveillance program needs to operate in the future.
