HONOLULU – During the past 6 days, The Queen’s Health Systems at The Queen’s Medical Center – Punchbowl (Queen’s) identified six staff and one patient with COVID whose PCR tests show the S gene dropout suggestive of the Omicron variant. The Queen’s teams are conducting extensive surveillance and will provide updates as soon as more is learned.
“To prevent an infection with COVID, please remain vigilant as we enjoy the Holiday season together,” said Jason Chang, Chief Operating Officer of The Queen’s Health Systems and President of The Queen’s Medical Center, “Avoid large crowds, wear your mask and be careful at holiday parties as they can be high risk situations for spreading COVID.”
Queen’s strongly advises those who have been vaccinated to receive a booster if you have not done so already. Queen’s also encourages anyone who is unvaccinated to consider receiving their first dose as soon as possible.
“The safety of our patients and caregivers remains our highest priority,” said Chang. “We continue to proactively follow Federal and State guidelines to implement precautions to ensure we are a safe place to deliver and receive high-quality, compassionate health care to all of the people of Hawaii.”
