Raleigh, NC – At least three cases of a COVID-19 variant originating from the United Kingdom have been discovered in North Carolina.
Medical experts say the B.1.1.7 variant, first discovered in December, is more contagious but no more deadly than COVID-19. As of January 22, 195 cases of British variant have been discovered in 21 US states, according to the CDC.
The Guilford County Division of Public Health confirmed a positive COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant in Guilford County on Jan. 27, according to a press release, and WITN News reports that another case of the British type was reported in Onslow County on Jan. 11 .
Earlier this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services identified the first case of the variant in an adult in Mecklenburg County.
Dr. Iulia Vann, Guilford County’s Director of Health, said the county is in the process of tracking down contacts and “will continue to monitor this case closely.”
Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant, but practicing the three Ws – washing your hands, wearing a mask and waiting six feet apart – is more important than ever, officials say.
“Although expected, the identification of this COVID-19 variant in North Carolina is of concern, especially at the same time as we are already seeing a very high number of cases,” said Mandy Cohen, secretary of the NCDHHS.
State health officials advise people to stay at home, except for essential activities, and to avoid meetings, especially indoors, with people who do not live with you.
If you absolutely must travel or are with people you don’t live with, get tested beforehand, keep it small and outdoors, and always wear a mask.