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COVID-19 Omicron variant detected in Hawaii

The coronavirus Omicron variant image
Source: KITV-4

Honolulu, HAWAII — The coronavirus Omicron variant has been diagnosed in a patient in Hawaii, State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble said.

The Hawaii Department of Health’s (DOH) State Laboratories Division (SLD) confirmed the Omicron diagnosis in an unvaccinated an Oahu resident who had previously been infected with COVID-19 about a year ago.

The patient had mild-to-moderate symptoms, the DOH said, including a cough, body aches, and a headache.

“This isn’t reason for panic, but it is reason for concern. It’s a reminder the pandemic is ongoing. We need to protect ourselves by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, distancing as best we can and avoiding large crowds,” said Health Director Dr. Elizabeth Char, FACEP.

Health officials say this is a case of community spread and the patient has had no recent history of travel. That person is currently isolating at home, health officials said. No other information about the patient has been released.

The Omicron variant has been detected in multiple US states after first being detected in California on Dec. 1.

Read more at KITV-4