Local news in brief for June 13

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DOH: COVID activity level ‘in the red’

The state Department of Health reminds the public to be vigilant due to high levels of COVID-19 activity in Hawaii.

The DOH Respiratory Disease Dashboard (https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease-types/respiratory-viruses/) shows COVID-19 disease activity level is in the red, or high activity level, indicating the virus is circulating at high levels compared to historic trends.

This high level means that recommended precautions are more important for reducing risk, according to the DOH.

The DOH recommends the following:

— Get your COVID-19 shot if you have not yet received the 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine, or if you are eligible for an additional dose (adults 65 and over and those with immune compromise). Keeping up to date lowers your risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

— If you are feeling sick, stay home and away from others. Return to usual activities only if fever-free for at least 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medicines, and symptoms are improving. After returning to usual activities, wear a mask when around people indoors for five additional days to avoid spreading germs to others. Consider testing when you will be around people at higher risk of severe disease.

— Wearing a well-fitting mask indoors with other people can help protect yourself and those around you, especially if you are recovering from COVID-19 symptoms.

— Staying outdoors or in well-ventilated areas is a simple action that can help reduce COVID transmission.

— Practice good hygiene. Cover your coughs and sneezes, clean frequently touched surfaces and wash your hands often.

— Take a COVID-19 test if you have symptoms and might need treatment. Antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and influenza can prevent hospitalization and death. Treatments work best when taken as soon as possible after symptoms begin.

Body of Ocean View woman found in Kailua-Kona

Police have initiated an investigation after a partially decomposed body of a woman was discovered within a parked vehicle located in a neighborhood in Kailua-Kona.

The victim has been positively identified as 21-year-old Sachiko Myers of Ocean View.

Shortly before 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, patrol officers and detectives responded to Kealakaa Street just north of Manawalea Street for a report about a lifeless body within a parked vehicle.

Upon their arrival, they discovered a partially decomposed body of a female within a white Volkswagen sedan.

An autopsy was performed Wednesday, and the pathologist ruled that Myer’s death was undetermined but did not rule out foul play.

The cause and manner of death is pending standard toxicology testing.

Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of Kealakaa Street north of Manawalea Street between June 3 and June 6 is encouraged to contact Detective Donovan Kohara at (808) 960-3118 or via email at donovan.kohara@hawaiicounty.gov

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe.

Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service.