HMC Treating 13 COVID-19 Positive Patients

Hilo Medical Center reports an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations from 11 to 13. Twelve of the individuals are unvaccinated.

In light of the increase in the daily case count, HMC has again updated its visitor policy. Additionally, COVID-19 testing and vaccination is scheduled to close at the Arc of Hilo on Aug. 13.

Vaccination and COVID-19 testing in HMC’s lobby, 1190 Waianuenue Avenue, has been extended through mid-September. Walk-ins are welcome daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is offered, however, Pfizer will be available on Aug. 16.

EFFECTIVE MONDAY, AUGUST 2 THROUGH SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

Emergency Department

• No visitors until further notice.
• Exceptions include pediatric patients 17 years and below, and highly critical, end-of-life situations.

Inpatient Units

• Two visitors per patient during visiting hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Visitors are not allowed to bring outside food and beverages.
• No eating and drinking inpatient rooms.
• Masks must be worn at all times.
• Exceptions include pediatric patients 17 years and below, and highly critical, end-of-life situations.

Short Stay

• Two visitors per patient during check-in.
• Visitors are not allowed to wait around in the Short Stay waiting area once patient is transported for procedure.
• Patients requiring the presence of their main caregiver, interpreter or parent/guardian of pediatric patients 17 years and below may bring one designated person.

Outpatient Clinics and Services (Imaging, Lab, Rehabilitation, Respiratory Therapy)

• Patients requiring the presence of their main caregiver, interpreter or parent/guardian of pediatric patients 17 years and below may bring one designated person.
• Masks must be worn at all times.

EFFECTIVE MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021

Emergency Department

• No visitors until further notice.
• Exceptions include pediatric patients 17 years and below, and highly critical, end-of-life situations

Inpatient Units

• One vaccinated visitor per patient, per day, during visiting hours, 11 a.m to 7 p.m.
• Only vaccinated visitors 12 years and older will be allowed entry.
• Proof of vaccination is required with physical vaccination card or VAMS certificate accompanied by government-issued, picture identification.
• Unvaccinated visitors will be offered and encouraged to receive their vaccination in the lobby or at the Arc of Hilo – additional locations listed below.
• All patients are allowed entry regardless of vaccination status. Care is never refused to anyone. Exceptions include pediatric patients 17 years and below, and highly critical, end-of-life situations.
• A negative COVID test is required for the rare occasion visitors are allowed to stay overnight with the patient.

Obstetrics Unit

• The birthing partner is allowed for duration of the hospital stay.
• If birthing partner is not vaccinated, they must present a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to admission for scheduled birth (we suggest getting tested when mom goes for testing).
• In addition, one designated, vaccinated visitor allowed during visiting hours, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the duration of the hospital stay.
• Proof of vaccination is required with physical vaccination card or VAMS certificate accompanied by government-issued, picture identification.
• No eating and drinking inpatient rooms.
• Masks must be worn at all times.

Short Stay

• One vaccinated visitor per patient allowed during check-in.
• The visitor is not allowed to wait around in the Short Stay waiting area once patient is transported for procedure.
• Patients requiring the presence of their main caregiver, interpreter or parent/guardian of pediatric patients 17 years and below may stay for the duration of the procedure.
• No eating and drinking inpatient rooms.
• Masks must be worn at all times.

East Hawai‘i Health Clinics and Services (Imaging, Lab, Rehabilitation, Respiratory Therapy)

• Patients may be accompanied by one visitor as the main caregiver, interpreter or parent/guardian of pediatric patients 17 years and below.
• Masks must be worn at all times.

CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS AND LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES CURRENTLY IN EFFECT

Hale Ho‘ola Hāmākua in Honoka‘a and Ka‘ū Hospital do not allow any visitors in their Emergency Departments.

• Visiting policies at Hale Ho‘ola Hāmākua’s and Ka‘ū Hospital’s inpatient and long term care units, and the Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and Hilo Medical Center’s Extended Care Department are governed by the state and federal government.
• Currently, visitors at our long term care facilities are strongly encourage to get vaccinated, however no proof of vaccination is required.
• All facilities will continue to follow current visitation policies unless changes are made to state and federal regulations.
• All long term care residents and their families will be notified of any changes to policies on visitation should they occur.

COVID-19 VACCINATION AND TESTING AVAILABILITY

East Hawai‘i Health Clinic, 1190 Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo. Testing is available for existing patients.

STARTING MONDAY, AUGUST 16

East Hawai‘i Health Clinic is located at 1285 Waianuenue Avenue. Only scheduled appointments will be taken at this site from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pfizer will be offered and COVID-19 testing is available.

East Hawai‘i Health Clinic in Kea‘au is located at 16-523 Kea‘au-Pāhoa Road. Walk-in appointments are available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 808-932-3830. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is offered and starting Aug. 16, Pfizer will be available. COVID-19 testing is also offered at this site.

STARTING MONDAY, AUGUST 16

Puna Community Medical Center is located at 15-2662 Pāhoa Village Road in Malama Marketplace. Walk-ins are welcome daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 808-930-6001. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is offered and testing is available.

Ka‘ū Hospital Rural Health Clinic is located at 1 Kamani St. in Pahala. Vaccinations and testing are by appointment only. To schedule, call 808-932-4205. Appointments are available Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 1-3:30 p.m. Moderna is offered.

For more information on COVID-19 testing locations in Hawaii County, click here.