Hawai‘i Office of Health and fitness laboratory detects Omicron variant in Hawai‘i
Posted on Dec 2, 2021 in COVID-19, Newsroom
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Section of Health’s (DOH) Condition Laboratories Division (SLD) confirms the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.529, also recognised as the Omicron variant, has been detected in the islands.
“This isn’t reason for panic, but it is cause for problem. It’s a reminder the pandemic is ongoing. We want to guard ourselves by finding vaccinated, sporting masks, distancing as ideal we can and averting substantial crowds,” said Well being Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP.
On Monday, Diagnostic Laboratory Products and services, Inc. (DLS) determined a specimen with a molecular clue indicating it may possibly be Omicron. The Point out Laboratories Division executed expedited entire genome sequencing and right now determined the specimen is the Omicron variant.
The COVID-19 favourable unique is an O‘ahu resident with average signs and symptoms who had earlier been infected with COVID-19, but was hardly ever vaccinated.
This is a situation of group unfold. The particular person has no heritage of journey.
The Omicron variant has been detected in at minimum 23 nations around the world and at minimum two other states.
“Throughout the pandemic, DOH’s point out lab has been a leader in conducting COVID-19 genomic sequencing, which is how the Omicron variant was discovered. Our surveillance system is functioning. This announcement serves as a reminder to be extremely watchful to defend ourselves and our loved kinds, especially throughout the holiday getaway year,” explained Point out Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble.
“Diagnostic Laboratory Solutions, Inc. (DLS) has worked carefully with the Section of Health given that the starting of the pandemic,” explained Dr. Chris Whelen, Vice President and Complex Director for Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics. “When we detected the spike gene fall-out, which is a molecular clue that the virus could be the omicron variant, we immediately described it to DOH Condition Laboratories and sent them the sample for sequencing.”
Anybody contacted by a circumstance investigator from DOH is requested to you should cooperate in an effort and hard work to gradual the transmission of COVID-19. Anyone with indications is requested to get analyzed and steer clear of other people. Unvaccinated folks who come in close get hold of with COVID-19 positive men and women are suggested to get analyzed.
Information and facts on no cost tests and vaccines is obtainable at https://hawaiicovid19.com/.
# # #
PDF: Hawai‘i Division of Health laboratory detects Omicron variant in Hawai‘i