January 25, 2021, 12:29 HST
The Hawaii Department of the State Department of Health Laboratories detected SARS-CoV-2 L452R. This strain of COVID-19 was first detected in Denmark in March 2020. It is now found in more than a dozen US states.
Science has not shown that L452R spreads faster or is a greater threat than other COVID-19 strains, but there is concern that it has been linked to a growing number of cases in California, including several large outbreaks.
“It is common to find variants of viruses such as COVID-19. Some are more risky than others. Said Dr. Sarah Kemble, acting state epidemiologist. “We also work with our colleagues from other states Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about the features of this variant. ”
The state laboratory of the departmentIThe es division began genome sequencing in June, looking for possible COVID-19 variants. He now examines 75 copies a week and has developed a testing algorithm designed to find variants as soon as possible after their arrival.
Variant B.1.1.7 first found in the United Kingdom and variant B.1.351 first found in South Africa both have increased transmissibility. Neither B.1.1.7 nor B.1.351 were detected in Hawai’i.
Hawaii is not immune to new strains, said health director Dr. Elizabeth Char. “The arrival of L452R reminds us that we must wear masks, keep a physical distance from people outside our immediate households and avoid congestion. These safe practices with COVID-19 vaccines will help us stop the spread. ”
No matter what COVID-19 variants are found in Hawaii, residents and visitors can play an important role in slowing down the transmission of the virus. This includes:
- Wearing masks when leaving home
- Limiting interactions with people outside immediate households
- Maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 meters
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds
- Obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine if eligible and the vaccine is available (and continuing these safety measures even after vaccination)