coronavirus

Federal health officials say the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising in the United States, although they both remain well below the levels of a year ago. Cases are also rising in parts of Southeast Asia, and HPR's Bill Dorman has details in today's Asia Minute.

Australia's current prime minister is heading to China this weekend in a visit that's being watched not only in Australia but also in the United States. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Hawaiʻi is approaching four years since its first COVID-19 case, and food insecurity among residents continues to be a lingering problem. Soon after the start of the pandemic in 2020, unemployment in the state spiked to record levels before falling back below the U.S. average.

People will be able to go to COVIDTests.gov and get four free tests per household, starting Monday. The Biden administration says it is trying to prepare for the fall and winter COVID season.

Last month the hospital census count put Hawaiʻi at the top of COVID-19 hotspots across the country. The Conversation spoke with Dr. Sarah Kemble, state epidemiologist, Wednesday afternoon about the snapshot of cases and when the public might see the first doses of the latest booster shot available.

For a recent roundtable discussion with Kauaʻi business leaders, Pacific Business News invited back two who had been on the same roundtable in 2021, when Garden Isle businesses were reeling from COVID-era disruptions. From then to now, both are seeing better days. Pacific Business News editor-in-chief A. Kam Napier has more.

COVID-19 numbers have been steadily increasing over the last month in Hawaiʻi and nationwide. State Epidemiologist Doctor Sarah Kemble says health officials have seen signals of an even further increase in COVID cases on Maui in the last week.

The state is expanding a housing program to help more homeowners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation has changed the eligibility requirements and assistance amount for its Homeowner Assistance Fund program.

Pearl Ridge Elementary and the city’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program collaborated three years ago during the pandemic to connect keiki and kūpuna as pen pals. For the first time in the program's history, the unlikely pals met in person. HPR's Sabrina Bodon has this heartfelt story.

Hawaiʻi’s largest private health care group has changed its masking requirements. Beginning Monday, the Queen’s Health System made masks optional for patients, staff and visitors.