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COVID-19 Variant Identified in Branch County

Monday April 5, 2021

BHSJCHA Reminds all to Continue COVID-19 Precautions

The COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in a Branch County COVID positive resident. The individual has been in isolation since initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Variant identification is learned after further testing of the initial specimen called sequencing. All three counties in the tri-county area have now had a sample identified as the B.1.1.7 variant.

The COVID-19 virus, as expected with a coronavirus, has changed over the past year. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant originated in the United Kingdom and has been found throughout the United States, with the first case in Michigan recorded in January. The B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily and is believed to be more contagious. However, there is no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the original strain.

“Since the variant is more contagious, the virus could potentially infect more people with less exposure”, said Rebecca Burns, Health Officer of the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency (BHSJCHA). “Which is why it is imperative our community strengthen prevention measures by wearing masks, physically distancing, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when it becomes available to you.”

Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant B.1.1.7.

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