So far 5 cases of COVID variant have been reported in Michigan

YPSILANTI, i. – A total of five cases of a new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus have been identified so far in Michigan, according to health officials.

The Washtenaw County Health Department announced on Saturday, January 23, that a total of five cases of the virus variant, also known as B117, have been identified in residents of the province.

The health department warns residents of potential exposure locations where customers may have come into contact with the virus variant.

People who have visited the following locations on Sunday January 17 are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 immediately:

The county is offering free drive-thru COVID PCR testing on Sunday, January 24 between noon and 5:00 pm at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor. Interested persons are encouraged to pre-register online for testing, but this is not required. Read more here.

The first known case of the new species in Michigan, believed to be highly contagious and potentially more deadly, was found in a woman in Washtenaw County on Jan. 16. On January 21, two additional cases were diagnosed in two more Washtenaw County residents. The three individuals infected were reportedly in close contact with each other, but officials say it is unclear whether any of the five cases are related to the first case.

“The possibility of additional spread of the variant is a concern,” said Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director of Washtenaw County Health Department. “Right now, under the guidance of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we encourage additional precautions. Seek tests if you have symptoms, were recently exposed to COVID-19, or have recently traveled to a place where the new variant is circulating. And everyone must make sure they consistently apply all COVID-19 precautions. This includes face masks, social distancing, cleaning hands, avoiding crowds or gatherings, and following isolation and quarantine escorts. “

Lake: Michigan health officials concerned about COVID variants

The B117 variant was first identified in the UK in late 2020 and sent part of that country into strict lockdown to stop the spread of the virus. The species was first identified in the US in late December, first in Colorado and then California. The virus variant has made its way to at least 20 states in the country so far.

Michigan officials believed it was likely the COVID variant had entered the state before Jan. 16.

“We’ve been warning people for weeks that this variant will likely be identified in the state of Michigan,” says Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS Chief Medical Executive and Chief Deputy for Health. “We want everyone to understand that this variant is much easier to transfer and that the chance of rapid spread is greater. Now is the time for people to take additional precautions and limit potential exposures. Wear your mask, wash your hands, avoid meetings, and schedule a vaccine when it’s your turn. We all have a role to play in ending this pandemic. “

Officials say it is likely that more than five cases of the B117 strain exist in Michigan that have not yet been discovered.

To help prevent the spread of the virus, individuals are encouraged to continue to take mitigating measures, including good hygiene and frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding crowds and gatherings.

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Related: The British chief scientist says the new virus variant could be more deadly