Raleigh, North Carolina – The first case of the highly contagious variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services identified the first case of the variant in an adult in Mecklenburg County.
The COVID variant, called B.1.1.7., Was first detected in the UK in December.
According to officials, on January 22, 195 cases of the COVID variant were reported in 21 states.
“Early data suggests that this variant may be more contagious than other variants,” NCDHHS said in a statement.
Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant, according to officials.
“While expected, the identification of this variant of COVID-19 in North Carolina is worrisome, especially at a time when we are already seeing a very high number of cases,” said Mandy Cohen, secretary of NCDHHS.
“It’s more important than ever to practice the 3W,” he said.
Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Wait 6 feet away.
State health officials advise people to stay home, except in essential activities, and avoid meeting, especially indoors, with people who do not live with you.
If you have to travel or accompany people you don’t live with, try it out in advance, keep it small and outdoors, and always wear a mask.
And, of course, ask for an appointment for a vaccine when you have one available.