At least one person in Durham County has tested positive for the most infectious variant B.1.1.7 of COVID-19. The case was confirmed Wednesday and the county announced Thursday.
The infected person is isolated and anyone who has had contact with that person has been notified.
COVID-19 variants are known to be present in North Carolina and most other U.S. states, but their prevalence is unclear.
“There have been variant cases in several other counties in the state, as well as in at least 45 states across the nation, so we hoped that eventually we would also see variant cases here,” said Rod Jenkins, county health director. Durham.
Studies have shown that variant B.1.1.7 spreads more easily than other strains of the virus. It serves as a reminder so that the public can keep up to date with the usual preventive measures of frequent and thorough hand washing, wearing masks and keeping their distance.
“It’s still extremely important to follow the 3 W’s: wear the right mask, wait 6 feet from each other, and wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time,” Jenkins said. “It’s also critical to get vaccinated when it’s your turn. We know these are the best methods available to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.”