Raleigh, North Carolina – At least three cases of a COVID-19 variant originating in the United Kingdom in North Carolina have been detected.
Medical experts say that variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in December, is more contagious but not more deadly than COVID-19. According to the CDC, on January 22, 195 cases of UK variants were detected in 21 U.S. states.
According to a press release, the Guilford County Public Health Division confirmed a positive case of variant COVID-19 B.1.1.7 in Guilford County on 27 January. January 11.
Earlier this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services identified the first case of the variant in an adult in Mecklenburg County.
Dr. Iulia Vann, director of public health for Guilford County, said the county is conducting contact tracking and “will continue to monitor this case closely.”
Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant, but practicing all three Ws (washing your hands, wearing a mask, and waiting 6 feet away) is more important than ever, 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.
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.