Hawaii confirms its first case of Omicron variant in resident with no history of vacation exterior state

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Wellbeing Division confirmed Hawaii’s initial case of the Omicron variant Thursday and officers said the unvaccinated resident has no history of travel outside the house the state.

That suggests there could be community spread of the worrisome mutation in the islands.

“It’s likely to choose a layered method to fight this,” mentioned state Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble, in a information meeting. “It’s most likely there are extra circumstances.”

She urged inhabitants to proceed to dress in masks, get vaccinated or a booster shot and acquire other safeguards. “To me, the most important issue is really don’t depend on your vaccination status on your own,” she claimed.

Kemble said the initial Omicron case is an Oahu grownup beneath the age of 65 who experienced earlier experienced COVID. The individual is however be monitored, but so significantly has seasoned delicate to average indications and is quarantining at house.

The condition Overall health Department is also seeking to attain out to near contacts and decide no matter whether the individual with the variant just lately attended any massive gatherings.

Diagnostic Laboratory Products and services discovered the specimen Monday as acquiring a molecular clue that indicated it may be Omicron. The Point out Laboratory was capable to affirm the suspicion Thursday.

The announcement arrives amid expanding fears about the Omicron variant, which has been detected in several states. Considerably stays unidentified about the mutation, but scientists are concerned it could be more contagious. They are also finding out irrespective of whether it can thwart vaccines or other therapies.

Omicron is labeled by the World Wellness Firm as a “variant of issue.”

Kemble stated the discovery of the variant in Hawaii should really be “cause for awareness and concern” but not worry. She said current mitigation steps ― like masking and vaccination ― however operate.

“It’s possible there are a lot more cases. This is something that we are looking at now,” she reported.

Hawaii’s governor and mayors are accomplishing the exact at a time when limitations are staying eased statewide. On Wednesday, Oahu started off letting all social gatherings and activities to work at 100% capacity alongside with places to eat, bars and gyms.

The go is viewed is a major action toward financial recovery.

How Omicron could influence that rebound is still uncertain but domestically and nationally, government officials have built obvious they’re not fascinated in bringing again rigid constraints.

This tale will be up-to-date.

Copyright 2021 Hawaii News Now. All legal rights reserved.