Raleigh, NC At least three cases of a COVID-19 variant originating in the United Kingdom have been detected in North Carolina.
Medical experts believe the B.1.1.7 variant, first detected in December, is more contagious, but not more deadly than COVID-19. According to the CDC, on January 22, 195 cases of British varieties were detected in 21 U.S. states.
The Guilford County Public Health Division confirmed a positive case of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant in Guilford County, according to a press release on January 27, and WITN News reported that another case of the British strain in Onslow County on January 11th.
Earlier this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services identified the first case of the variant in an Mecklenburg County adult.
Dr. Iulia Vann, director of public health in Guilford County, said the province is conducting contact detection and “will continue to monitor the matter closely.”
The current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant, but according to officials, practicing the three Ws – washing hands, wearing a mask and waiting 6 feet apart – is more important than ever.
“Although expected, the identification of this COVID-19 variant in North Carolina is worrying, especially at the same time as we are already seeing many cases,” said Mandy Cohen, secretary of the NCDHHS.
Public health officials advise people to stay home except for essential activities and avoid meeting, especially indoors, with people who do not live with you.
If you absolutely must travel or be with people you do not live with, you should be tested beforehand, keep it small and outdoors and always wear a mask.