#B.1.351

Genomic Virus Data from State Lab to Help Shape Future Pandemic Response

The data is used to prepare for the next stage of the pandemic response by helping to better understand the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and how the virus evolves. This influences diagnostic protocols and provides insights on future vaccine development.

“Highly Transmissible” B.1.351 Variant Detected in O‘ahu Resident

The state Department of Health State Laboratories Division has confirmed the detection of a new COVID-19 variant of concern, found in an O‘ahu resident with no travel history. This new strain has the technical name B.1.351 and is sometimes referred to as the South African variant.

Hawai‘i State Lab Detects COVID-19 Variant

The Hawai‘i Department of Health State Laboratories Division has detected the SARS-CoV-2 variant 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.