COVID-19 specimens tested in labs show that the UK variant of the virus may be present in Hawaii, a report from Hawaii News Now said.
"The state said of 264 specimens sampled in January, 3.4% were identified as having the L452R variant," the report said.
According to the report, the lab tested specimens are thought to be of the UK virus variant due to the molecular signatures found, but "additional testing is needed to confirm."
The COVID-19 variant is known to be more contagious and has caused a significant increase in cases across Europe. This mutation of the virus has been found in over half of the states but has not been confirmed as being present in Hawaii.
According to the Hawaii News Now report, the Hawaii state Health Department said four specimens that were lab tested did show the same "molecular clue" that is associated with the variant. Results of further testing are due to be released next week, the report said.