Health officials in Hawaii report first case of new, rapidly spreading variant of COVID-19

The state health department confirmed today that its laboratory division has detected the SARS-CoV-2 variant L452R.

Officials said the coronavirus strain was first detected in Denmark in March 2020 and now occurs in more than a dozen U.S. states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that it is likely to become the dominant version in the country by March.

Although science has not shown that the L452R variant spreads faster or poses a greater threat than other COVID-19 strains, officials have said there are concerns because it has been linked to a growing number of cases – including several major outbreaks – in California.

‘It is common to find variants of viruses such as COVID-19. “Some carry greater risks than others,” said Dr. Sarah Kemble, acting state epidemiologist, said in a news release. “We are working with our colleagues in other states as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about the characteristics of this particular variant.”

The division’s laboratory division began searching for possible COVID-19 variants in genomic order in June, and is now examining 75 specimens per week. It also developed a test algorithm to find variants as soon as possible after arrival.

Officials said the B.1.1.7 variant first found in the UK and the B.1.351 variant first found in South Africa both have ‘improved portability’. None of them have been detected in Hawaii yet.

“Hawaii is not immune to new strains,” said Dr. Elizabeth Char, director of health, said in a statement. ‘The arrival of L452R reminds us to wear masks, keep physical distance from people outside our immediate household and avoid crowds. These safe practices along with COVID-19 vaccines will help us stop the spread. ”