As the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Hawaii continues, the state has suffered a blow with confirmation that a variant of the new coronavirus is now present in the state.
The state Department of Health confirmed on Monday that its Laboratory Division had detected two cases of the SARS-CoV-2 L452R variant in Hawaii – one in Oahu and one in Maui.
Officials said the variant was first detected in Denmark in March and is now found in more than a dozen U.S. states, including California. In addition, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Protection have warned that it is likely to become the country’s dominant version in March.
Although science has not shown that the L452R variant spreads faster or poses a greater threat than other COVID-19 variants, state health officials are concerned that it has been linked to an increasing number of cases – including several outbreaks of large – in California.
In addition, the state Department of Health identified and confirmed on Monday 60 COVID-19-related deaths not previously reported, after careful inspection of death certificates.
The 60 deaths – which occurred between August and December – were discovered after a thorough review of the department’s Electronic Death Record System, according to DOH director, Dr. Libby Char. Fifty-one deaths occurred on Oahu, six on the island of Hawaii and three on Maui, Char said.
As of Monday, the death toll from COVID-19 in the state was 342. The additional deaths, to be added today, would bring the death toll from COVID-19 in the state to at least 402.
Also on Monday, Hawaii registered 123 new coronavirus infections, including 91 on Oahu, 21 on Maui, six on the island of Hawaii and five out-of-state residents, bringing the state total to 25,275.
Dr. Sarah Kemble, a practicing epidemiologist in the state, said that it is common to find variants of viruses such as COVID-19 and that some present greater risks than others.
“We are working with our colleagues in other states and also with (CDC) to learn more about the characteristics of this specific variant,” she said.
In a follow-up question and answer session, Kemble shared that one case, which was related to travel to the mainland, was found on Oahu, and the other, which does not appear to be travel-related, on Maui.
The two cases do not appear to be related to each other, she said.
“It could mean that there was a travel connection that we cannot determine,” she said. “This could mean that the virus has been here for longer than we think and is circulating in our community. I think, considering our ties to California and the West Coast, where these strains are definitely being seen, that wouldn’t be entirely surprising. I think these are the possibilities that we are looking at. We are trying to understand how recently it may have been introduced. “
The L452R variant is linked to several outbreaks in Santa Clara County, according to the University of California, San Francisco, as well as Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego Counties.
While an ongoing investigation into how widespread the new strain can be, both cases have been eliminated from isolation, she said. At this time, she said, there is no evidence to suggest the need for the state to change its mitigation strategies to COVID-19.
The department’s Laboratory Division began genome sequencing in June to look for possible variants of COVID-19 and now examines 75 specimens a week, a level it does not plan to change. He also developed a test algorithm designed to find variants as quickly as possible after their arrival.
Officials said that variant B.1.1.7, found for the first time in the UK, and variant B.1.351, found for the first time in South Africa, both have “improved transmissibility”. Neither has yet been detected in Hawaii.
Queen’s Health Systems officially launched its first mass vaccination clinic COVID-19 for kupuna 75 and older at the Blaisdell Center Concert Hall at 8 am on Monday.
The clinic, which has more than 80 employees, will be available for those with daily appointments from 8 am to 6:30 pm, except on Tuesdays.
Queen is expected to vaccinate more than 1,200 kupuna aged 75 and over with the Modern COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, after a pre-inauguration on Saturday, in which more than 550 were vaccinated.
At its peak, Jill Hoggard Green, president and executive director of The Queen’s Health Systems, said she expects the clinic to be able to vaccinate 5,000 people a day.
Hoggard also said that Queen’s would strictly administer vaccines only to those over 75 at the Blaisdell clinic, and not to their companions at the moment. An exception will be made if the caregiver is also 75 years of age or older and has an appointment. Each person can bring up to an adult caregiver.
So far, more than 12,000 consultations have been scheduled for the Blaisdell clinic. Consultations are scheduled up to one month in advance and are given only if the first and second doses are available.
To date, Queen’s Health Systems has administered more than 20,000 doses of vaccine to employees, community health workers, people aged 75 and over, and essential workers across the state.
During an interview with Spotlight Hawaii on Monday morning, Lt. Governor Josh Green said that 106,654 vaccines have been administered in the state so far, or about 56% of the 189,000 vaccines available in stock.
The state Department of Health still advises wearing masks when leaving home, even if vaccinated, and limiting interactions and keeping 6 feet away with people outside of immediate homes.
“Hawaii is not immune to new strains,” Char said in a statement. “The arrival of the L452R reminds us that we must wear masks, keep physical distance from people outside our immediate homes and avoid crowds. These safe practices, together with the COVID-19 vaccines, will help us prevent spread. “
Queen’s COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
>> Where: Blaisdell Center Concert Hall, 777 Ward Avenue.
>> When: 8 am-6:30 pm daily, except Tuesdays
>> Who: Kupuna 75 and above only and by appointment only
>> Cost: Free. Bring a government-issued ID, insurance card and pre-filled screening form. Parking at the Blaisdell Center will also be free (enter King Street).
>> To make an appointment, visit covid.queens.org/vaccination or call 691-2222.