Two variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been found in Weld County, including the more contagious variant in the United Kingdom.
The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment issued a news release on Thursday warning about the new variants. The mutated viruses are B.1.1.7, commonly referred to as the UK variant (UK), and L452. Several variants of the virus spread worldwide.
Some viruses change through mutation and create new variants over time. Some will emerge and then disappear, while others may spread more easily and faster. Research is underway to determine how easily these variants spread, but current evidence shows that the British variant spreads more easily than the original virus.
The Associated Press reported on Wednesday that Dr Rochelle Walensky, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, had told reporters that the British variant had already been identified in more than 40 states. The CDC website notes that UK experts reported in January that the variant may be associated with an increased risk of death compared to other variants, but more studies are needed to confirm the finding.
State and provincial health officials are working together to conduct contact tracing of the people identified and exposed with the new variant. Asked about the number of residents in which the different viruses occur and in which communities, a spokesman for Weld Health said that “they are all still being investigated.” More details could be announced in the next week or so, he added.
The CDC recently updated mask guidelines to encourage doubling of layers: to recommend a multi-layered cloth mask or a discarding mask under a cloth mask. The New York Times recently reported laboratory experiments found that viral transmission could be reduced by 96.5% if Americans wore cozy surgical masks or a combination of cloth and surgical mask.
CDC research indicates that the current COVID-19 vaccine provides protection against emerging variants, but according to the country’s news release, more study is needed. As vaccines are still being made available, officials are encouraging the public to get their free vaccination. Phase 1B.2, which started on 8 February, is currently being vaccinated. The phase includes people aged 65-69 and pre-K-12 educators, including teachers, student teachers, bus drivers, school boarding services, childcare workers in licensed programs, administrative and support staff, security staff and other support services offered within schools.
Vaccinations are also provided to people 70 years and older. The state operates a hotline for residents with questions about COVID-19 vaccines at 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).