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Hawaii Public Libraries were among the first state agencies to physically reopen to the public after pandemic restrictions eased.

The state saw an average of 4,600 cases per day this week, but Department of Health Director Libby Char says hospitalizations are still manageable.

The department has asked the Legislature for millions of dollars to ramp up staff and keep essential services running smoothly while the pandemic takes center stage.

Stress can make time seem to pass more slowly, boredom more quickly, and both have been at play during the pandemic.

Hawaii health officials are urging everyone to get vaccinated, and urging people who are vaccinated to get booster shots to avoid overwhelming hospitals.

The abundance of teacher and student absences amid the latest Covid-19 surge has underscored the need to get more subs and pay them better.

The Health Department reported a record 4,789 cases on Thursday, saying the high number was in part the result of New Year’s celebrations.

The city is also increasing availability of vaccines and booster shots to prevent severe illness.

Some Covid-19 watchers say that hospitalization numbers are more important than daily case counts given omicron’s transmissibility.

An economist warns that much of the federal pandemic support has dried up, and the year ahead could be tough for many.