The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) has detected additional COVID-19 cases of the Omicron variant bringing the statewide total of Omicron cases to 50. Forty-nine of the 50 cases are on O‘ahu. The source and location of the remaining case is still being investigated. It is reasonable to believe Omicron may be present on the neighbor islands.

Early research shows the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus.  More data is needed to determine whether Omicron infections cause more severe illness than other variants.

COVID-19 vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. The emergence of Omicron further emphasizes the importance of vaccination and boosters. However, more breakthrough cases in people who are fully vaccinated are likely to occur.

DOH strongly encourages COVID-19 booster shots for everyone eligible.