BATTLE CREEK, MI (WTVB/WNWN) – The Calhoun County Public Health Department reported on Monday the first cases of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant in their county.
This variant was identified in two separate instances, one individual Calhoun County resident, as well as a separate three-member family who
As of now, none of the four identified cases have required any medical attention. The Public Health Department is conducting contact tracing. All close contacts will be quarantined for 14 days and encouraged to get tested for COVID-19.
The B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants and is believed to be more contagious, but there has been no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been circulating across the United States for months.
In Michigan, the virus has been identified in Kalamazoo, Kent, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties.
The four cases are the only known Calhoun County cases at this time but it is possible there are more that have not been identified.
“The identification of the B.1.1.7 variant in Calhoun County underscores the importance of our community wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding social gatherings, washing our hands, getting tested for COVID-19, and getting vaccinated,” said Dr. William Nettleton, Medical Director for Calhoun County Public Health Department.
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