February 5, 2021, 3:05 PM HST
* Updated February 5 at 3:11 p.m.
The Division of State Laboratories of the Hawaii Department of Health has confirmed the presence of variant B.1.1.7 in Hawaii.
The confirmed specimen is one of four samples previously identified in Hawai’i as molecular tracks consistent with variant B.1.1.7. The other specimens are still being analyzed.
Variant B.1.1.7, originally detected in the United Kingdom, is highly transmissible and leads to faster spread than other common strains of COVID-19.
The variant variety was detected in an Oahu resident with no travel history. This person initially experienced symptoms in late January. Close contact also tested positive for COVID-19. An entire genomic sequencing is performed on the specimen from close contact to determine if there is B.1.1.7.
“We have already initiated contact tracking investigations and are monitoring these cases closely,” Dr. Sarah Kemble, a state-run epidemiologist, said in a department press release.
SLD is sequencing the genome in 300 copies per month. “Specimens selected for sequencing represent patients most likely to present with variant strains, as well as samples representing all parts of the state,” Drs. Edward Desmond, director of the State Laboratories Division. “Sequencing will indicate the presence of variant strains with some of the mutations of concern.”
“We are concerned about the presence of variant B.1.1.7 in Hawaii, as more contagious strains can lead to an increase in the case rate and ultimately require a higher percentage of people to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity “. said the director of health, Dr. Elizabeth Char.
“We are not powerless against this highly transmissible variant,” said Hawaiian Governor David Ige. We can combat it by vaccinating ourselves and taking daily actions such as putting on masks, distancing ourselves, washing our hands, and staying home when we are sick. And please limit Super Bowl viewing parties to household members. Together, we can be safe. “
“It is now more important than ever that we take preventive measures to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the neighbors of COVID-19,” added Dr. Char.