DOH: Four suspected Omicron cases on the Big Island
The state Department of Health suspects that there could be at least four cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 on the Big Island.
According to a news release Wednesday, the DOH’s State Laboratories Division has confirmed 24 new omicron cases, bringing the statewide total to 74. However, the SLD is also investigating specimens on the Big Island and Maui that contain molecular clues indicating that they could be omicron cases.
Of those suspected cases, four are on the Big Island and two are on Maui. Whole genome sequencing must be performed to confirm whether they are omicron, which SLD Director Edward Desmond said would be completed by next week.