The Hawaii Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division has now detected a total of 12 cases of the omicron variant, all on Oahu, indicating community spread, the department said Friday afternoon.

“Most of the infected individuals have no known connection with one another. This indicates the omicron variant is spreading deeper into our communities,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble in a news release. “People who have tested positive should isolate themselves. Close contacts and people with symptoms should get tested, regardless of vaccination status.”

The DOH has also been trying to reach out to approximately 14 Hawaii residents who attended an anime convention in New York in November where some attendees later tested positive for the omicron variant.

Some Hawaii residents who attended have not returned their calls, DOH said. According to Kemble, there was at least one Maui resident who went to the convention that DOH is trying to get a hold of.

Although all 12 omicron cases are on Oahu, Kemble said, “I think it’s just a matter of time” before omicron is detected on the Neighbor Islands.

Kemble also said during a news conference Friday afternoon that eight of the 12 people with omicron have been vaccinated, with one person even having a booster shot.

Three were unvaccinated and information was pending in another case, the DOH said. Two of those fully vaccinated had also been previously infected with COVID-19, and one of the unvaccinated people also was infected with the virus.

Ages among the 12 omicron cases range from four to 61 years old, the department added.

The Health Department is also investigating four COVID-19 cases among patrons of the Scarlet Honolulu nightclub on Pauahi Street. Samples from two of these individuals exhibit a molecular clue indicating the possible presence of the omicron variant, according to a DOH news release.

All patrons who visited Scarlet Honolulu since Dec. 3 are advised to get tested. The nightclub has been proactive by requiring all of its patrons to be vaccinated and is co-hosting a booster clinic, the department said.

The omicron variant is exhibiting traits indicating it is even more transmissible than the delta variant, DOH warned.

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters appear to slow the spread of the omicron variant and are effective in preventing severe illness, the department added. People are advised to wear face masks and avoid large crowds.

Anyone contacted by a case investigator from DOH is asked to cooperate in efforts to slow the transmission of COVID-19. Anyone with symptoms is asked to get tested and to stay away from others.

Information on free testing and vaccines is available at hawaiicovid19.com/.

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.