COVID-19 activity is on the rise in Hawaii, according to a new dashboard from the Department of Health. 

DOH’s new dashboard compiles data on the activity in Hawaii of three respiratory illnesses: COVID-19, including influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

In the continental U.S., respiratory diseases often spread during the fall and winter seasons, but in Hawaii, they occur year-round. 

Currently, the dashboard is showing COVID-19 as “yellow,” or medium activity, which means the virus is circulating at higher levels than would be expected based on historic trends, and it says COVID-19 activity is increasing. 

The data for COVID-19 and influenza positivity primarily comes from labs across the state. Data for RSV positivity are sourced from the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System. 

The dashboard also breaks down the respiratory diseases by test positivity, percent of all emergency department visits, and percent of all hospital admissions. 

“This week, the dashboard shows that COVID-19 test positivity is higher than expected and climbing, and that ED visits and hospital admissions for COVID-19 are also going up,” said State Epidemiologist Sarah Kemble in a statement. 

Kemble said the dashboard helps people in Hawaii make informed decisions about their health. She said, based on the information in the dashboard, that people should check whether they’ve had the 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine, and if not, they should go get it. She also said people who have received the vaccine should check if they are eligible for a repeat dose.