Kauai visitor tests positive for COVID-19 after twice testing negative
Kauai health officials today reported a new positive case of COVID-19 from an adult, female visitor who has been placed in isolation.
The Kauai District Health Office said the woman had previously tested negative as part of the state’s pre-travel testing program, and also tested negative in a voluntary post-travel test. She then reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19 and tested positive days later.
“This is a traveler who followed both the mandatory and voluntary testing programs and still tested positive days later,” said Dr. Janet Berreman, Kauai District Health Officer, in a news release. “This case shows us that travelers who become infected near or after the pre-travel test may not test positive for several days after their arrival. For best results, the preferable time to take a post-travel test would be about a week after arrival. We also understand people may not be on island that long and in those cases, a test three days after arrival is encouraged.”
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The state Department of Health is conducting contact-tracing, officials said.
The Kauai District Health Office said there are three active infection cases in isolation on the Garden Isle, and 11 contacts of those individuals who remain under the state-required quarantine.
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Post-travel testing is available to both residents and visitors who arrive on Kauai from the U.S. mainland and participated in the state’s Safe Travels Program.
Testing is available no sooner than 72 hours after arrival and up to 14 days. Visit kauai.gov/COVID-19 for more information.
