News Releases from Department of Health | Kaua‘i District Health Office survey finds majority remain concerned about COVID-19

LIHUE – The Department of Health’s (DOH) Kaua‘i District Health Office released the preliminary report of its July Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey to assess the community’s perception of Kauaʻi’s COVID-19 response efforts and current emergency preparedness level. “The results of this survey show us that Kauai residents continue to feel the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in their day-to-day lives and are taking steps to protect themselves with vaccinations and masking,” says Dr.

Janet Berreman, Kauaʻi District Health Officer, “It is gratifying that residents have the tools they need to protect themselves and that they have a positive perception of the local response.”Sitxy-nine percent of Kauaʻi households remain very or somewhat concerned about their household members getting sick with COVID-19.

This is unchanged from the level of concern reported in the 2020 CASPER survey. The percentage of households in which someone has experienced emotional distress related to the pandemic rose slightly from 32% in 2020 to 36% in 2022.

Only 16% of those experiencing emotional distress sought behavioral health assistance.The percentage of households who are very or somewhat concerned about their ability to pay the next month’s rent or mortgage decreased from 34% in 2020 to 17% in 2022, and 72% report that their income is stable or slightly higher than it was before the pandemic.Consistent with ongoing concerns about COVID-19 infection, 83% of Kauaʻi households report that they think it is very or somewhat important to wear a mask indoors in places other than their home.