HONOLULU — Six Queen’s Medical Center staff members and one patient at the hospital located on Punchbowl Avenue may be infected with the omicron variant of COVID-19.

What You Need To Know

  • Seven people with COVID-19 took a PCR test that showed an "S gene dropout," which is a sign of the omicron variant

  • The cases were all detected in the last six days

  • Queen's Medical Center said it is investigating the cases 

  • The state previously reported 12 cases of omicron on Oahu

Omicron is the newest variant of COVID-19, and it is said to be highly contagious.  

The seven people with COVID took a PCR test that showed an “S gene dropout” that is suggestive of the omicron variant, a Queen’s press release said, according to KITV4.

The cases were all detected in the last six days, Hawaii News Now reported.

Queen’s said it is investigating the cases and will provide updates as soon as possible. It was not reported how the cases were caught or whether they were connected beyond the hospital.

“To prevent an infection with COVID, please remain vigilant as we enjoy the Holiday season together,” Queen’s COO and President Jason Chang said in a press release, according to Hawaii News Now.

“Avoid large crowds, wear your mask and be careful at holiday parties as they can be high risk situations for spreading COVID.”

Queen’s said this is a reminder of the importance of vaccinations and boosters.

“The safety of our patients and caregivers remains our highest priority. We continue to proactively follow Federal and State guidelines to implement precautions to ensure we are a safe place to deliver and receive high-quality, compassionate health care to all of the people of Hawaii,” Chang said in the press release, according to Hawaii News Now.

The state previously reported 12 cases of omicron had been detected on Oahu.