MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – The Marquette County Department of Health (MCHD) says more cases of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant have been confirmed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) genetic sequence.
“This new evidence confirms that the spread of the community is likely,” MCHD said in a release.
The Department of Health says that the B.1.1.7 variant is of concern due to:
- 50% increased transfer
- Probably increased severity due to hospitalizations and mortality rates
- Minimal impact on neutralization by antibody therapies
The Department of Health also said that current vaccines are still effective against this variant.
“Since mid-February, the rate of COVID-19 infection within Marquette County has increased by 151% from the average rate of two weeks ago,” MCHD said. “There is a strong possibility that Marquette County could enter a new and accelerated wave of increased COVID-19 infection.”
To better protect you, your family and the community, the MCHD recommends:
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible
- Continue to wear the face masks appropriately, take social distances and use proper hand hygiene
- Stay home and isolate if you have COVID symptoms
- To be tested, no matter how minimal the symptoms, if you have previously had COVID and / or been vaccinated
- Inform the health department and know any known close contacts
- If you have a close contact, follow the guidance on quarantine, says MCHD.
Vaccine registration is now available to any person over the age of 16. Those interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine can register at mqthealth.org.
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