Michigan health officials concerned about COVID variants

ANN ARBOR – As of January 22, 2021, Michigan has three confirmed cases of B.1.1.7 – the new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus.

The three women are affiliated with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. One of the women had traveled to the UK in early January.

“We have now identified one outbreak, but there may be others,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “Other cases in the state that have not yet been identified and cases not related to the outbreak we found.”

B.1.1.7 – the British variant – spreads more easily. Any person who gets it is significantly more likely to infect more people.

Scientists are also concerned about new variants discovered in South Africa and Brazil, but not yet found in the United States.

At the White House. Dr. Anthony Fauci stressed that the new variants emphasize the need to get people vaccinated quickly.

“It is all the more reason why we should vaccinate as many people as possible,” Fauci said. “As long as the virus is there and multiplies, viruses don’t mutate unless they replicate. And if you can suppress that with a very good vaccination campaign, then you can actually avoid this harmful effect that you could get from the mutations. “

Fauci said that while certain mutations can make vaccines less protective, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are very effective enough that there would be a dampening effect that would still provide protection.

The new British strain is more contagious because it is better able to hold onto the receptors in our nose, lungs and digestive tract, making it even more important to take precautions, such as wearing a mask.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday that there is some evidence that the new species is not only easier to spread, but is also more deadly. The research is considered preliminary, but it’s something that experts are following.

RELATED: Michigan Health Director Robert Gordon announces resignation

Robert Gordon, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, abruptly resigned Friday.

Gordon and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun were the faces of MDHHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gordon frequently attended Whitmer’s briefings and recently took part in a virtual update on Tuesday.

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