At least one person in Durham County has tested positive for the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19. The case was confirmed on Wednesday and the province announced it on Thursday.
The infected person is in isolation and anyone who has had contact with that person has been notified.
COVID-19 variants are known to be present in North Carolina and most other US states, but their prevalence is unclear.
“Anomalous 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 variant cases here, too,” said Rod Jenkins, director of Durham County Health. .
Studies have shown that the B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily than other strains of the virus. It serves as a reminder for the public to keep up with the usual preventive measures, such as frequent and thorough hand washing, wearing a mask and keeping their distance.
“It remains extremely important to follow the 3 Ws – wear your well-fitting mask, wait six feet apart and wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds at a time,” said Jenkins. “It is also critical to get vaccinated when it is your turn. We know these are the best methods available to protect you from COVID-19 and its variants.”