COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says two cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in St. Joseph County.
The agency says individuals have been in isolation and close contacts quarantined since the initial COVID-19 diagnosis. This variant originated in the United Kingdom and has been found throughout the United States, with the first case in Michigan recorded in January.
The B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily and is believed to be more contagious but there is no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the original strain.
Health Officer Rebecca Burns says, “Since the variant is more contagious, the virus could potentially infect more people with less exposure. Which is why it is imperative our community strengthen prevention measures by wearing masks, physically distancing, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when it becomes available to you.”
Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant.
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