DOH Detects 24 Additional Cases of Omicron Variant

The state Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division detected 24 additional cases of the omicron variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed omicron cases in Hawai‘i to 74.

While all omicron cases detected thus far are on O‘ahu, four specimens from Hawai‘i Island and two specimens from Maui contain a molecular clue indicating they are likely omicron. Whole genome sequencing will be performed to determine if they are the omicron variant.

“Booster shots are more important than ever,” said state Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char. “Please get your booster shot now. People who have received booster shots have much more protection from omicron than those who have not yet gotten their boosters.”

The latest 24 omicron cases come from specimens collected from Dec. 7-13. Omicron is circulating widely, and the DOH expects omicron case numbers to increase rapidly.

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