One case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed on Oahu, the Hawaii State Department of Health has announced.
In a tweet, the DOH said, "We can all do our part to reduce transmission by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings and testing when sick."
“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.
"It does tell us that this is going to be something we are going to be watching now," said state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. "What we are hearing from our colleagues in South Africa is the mostly patients are having mild symptoms... but there is still a lot to be learned."
The patient is female and resides in Oahu, the DOH said.
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
Today, DOH has confirmed one case of the #Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus on Oahu.
— Hawaii State Department of Health (@HawaiiDOH) December 3, 2021
We can all do our part to reduce transmission by getting vaccinated, wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings and testing when sick.https://t.co/z3JvdqIEab pic.twitter.com/NhUY3EkmWH