At least one person in Durham County tested positive for the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19. The case was confirmed on Wednesday and the country announced it on Thursday.
The infected person is in isolation, and everyone who has made contact has notified the person.
COVID-19 variants are known to occur in North Carolina and most other U.S. states, but their occurrence is unclear.
“Various cases have been found in several other counties across the state, as well as in at least 45 states across the country, so we expected to eventually see cases here as well,” said Rod Jenkins, director of health in Durham.
Studies have shown that the B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily than other strains of the virus. It serves as a reminder to the public to keep up with the common preventative measures of regular and thorough hand washing, mask wearing and distance keeping.
“It’s extremely important to follow the 3 W’s. Wear your well-fitting mask, wait 6 feet apart and wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds each time,” Jenkins said. “It is also critical to be vaccinated if it is your turn. We know that these are the best available methods to protect against COVID-19 and its variants.”