Two Oahu residents, neither of whom had traveled out-of-state recently, are reported to have the omicron variant of COVID-19, according to the state Department of Health.

What You Need To Know

  • Two Oahu residents, neither of whom had traveled out-of-state recently, are the newest omicron variant COVID-19 cases

  • Additional points of exposure that were noted in a press release Monday included an anime convention in New York City that had been associated with the omicron variant

  • One person who tested positive for the omicron variant is believed to have attended Christ Embassy events, and DOH has reason to believe that there are several more positive cases associated with the church

The DOH also advised the public about several points of exposure in Hawaii.

“It is imperative that all Hawaii residents work together to limit the spread of the omicron variant,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. “These additional cases and points of exposure show that omicron is in our community, and the best thing we can do is get vaccinated, continue to wear a mask and get tested if you feel ill or had contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.”

Additional points of exposure that were noted in a press release Monday included an anime convention in New York City that had been associated with the omicron variant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified DOH that Hawaii residents had attended the convention, though the exact number of people was not confirmed. The DOH press release noted that the department will reach out to those attendees who have returned to the state to assess them for symptoms and ensure access to testing.

DOH also issued guidance to members of Christ Embassy Hawaii church of an “imminent health threat posed by the omicron variant.” Members of the Oahu church and other members of the public who attended events organized by the church on or after Nov. 23 are being urged to get tested for COVID-19. The church is headquartered in Waipahu; however, events related to the organization were held across the island, including a recent outreach in Kalihi.

“DOH only discloses case locations when there is an imminent risk to public health,” Kemble said. “Based on the findings of our investigation, we believe disclosure is warranted to prevent further transmission of the omicron variant.” The press release noted that DOH continues to attempt to make contact with the leadership at Christ Embassy.

One person who tested positive for the omicron variant is believed to have attended Christ Embassy events, and DOH has reason to believe that there are several more positive cases associated with the church.

People who have attended Christ Embassy events since Nov. 23 should also closely monitor themselves for symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat or loss of taste or smell. If symptoms develop, they are advised to self-quarantine and seek medical consultation.

The department’s State Laboratories Division is also in the process of sequencing an additional eight COVID-19 specimens received since Friday with a “molecular clue” suggesting possible omicron variant. The division is also performing enhanced molecular surveillance of neighbor island specimens this week to look for the omicron variant, but at press time, no cases outside of Oahu were confirmed.