DOH’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) continues to work in partnership with private sector laboratories to collect and examine specimens of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. To date, they’ve found nine samples of the L452R variant and four specimens that exhibit a molecular clue associated with the UK B1.1.7, which indicates that the B1.1.7 variant may be present in Hawai‘i. Extra testing is being done to determine whether it’s the B1.1.7 variant. Testing should be completed later this week. The B1.1.7 variant is highly transmissible and has not previously been detected in Hawai‘i.
Of the nine L452R variants, one was from Maui, one from Kaua‘i, and seven from O‘ahu. Four individuals carrying the L452R variant had a history of travel to the mainland (three California, one Utah). The L452R mutation is considered to be “under investigation” by the CDC, and so far, hasn’t proven to be associated with increased transmissibility of COVID-19, and is not associated with vaccine failure or decreased effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
DOH is encouraging everyone to continue wearing masks, to physical distance, and to avoid large crowds to help slow the spread of all variants. They also encourage everyone to get a vaccine when they become eligible.