1st case of new COVID variant found in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials have identified the state’s first case of a novel variant of the coronavirus, believed to be more contagious, in an infected person living in Washtenaw County.

Officials from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced on Saturday January 16 that an adult female living in Washtenaw County had contracted a new variant of COVID-19, known as B.1.1 .7. Officials say she recently traveled to the UK, where the variant was first identified and recently sent part of that country into strict lockdown to help curb the spread of the virus.

Authorities say two more positive COVID cases have been identified from close contact with the Washtenaw County woman, but it is not known whether these two are also infected with the virus variant.

The variant, which has been officially identified in other countries around the world, traveled to the United States in late 2020 and was first identified in California. Officials say the variant has now been identified in at least 16 other states as of January 16.

Michigan officials say the new variant is considered more contagious, but “there is no indication that it affects clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been circulating in the United States since. months, ”according to a press release on January 16.

However, officials say the new variant – if circulated widely in Michigan – could result in a higher rate of transmission of the virus, which in turn could increase the number of people who “ need to be hospitalized or lose their health. life because of COVID-19. “

EXPLAINER: Scientists trying to figure out a new variant of the virus

“The discovery of this variant in Michigan is concerning, but not unexpected,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, medical director and deputy chief of health at MDHHS. “We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic as quickly as possible. We continue to urge the Michiganders to follow a research-based approach by wearing their masks properly, distancing themselves socially, avoiding crowds, washing their hands often, and making a plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine safe and sound. effective once it’s their turn.

The variant virus case announced on Saturday is the only known case of the variant in Michigan, but officials say there are likely more cases that have yet to be identified.

January 7, 2021: New, mutated variant of COVID-19 ‘most likely already here’ in Michigan, senior health official says

Health officials urge residents to continue to follow mitigation protocols to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including frequent hand washing, good hygiene, social distancing and avoiding crowds and gatherings.

---

More: Coronavirus news

---

With growing concerns about Michigan’s COVID-19 parameters and a new variant of the virus, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been asked if she has any further restrictions on activity in the state.

During the briefing on Wednesday (January 6), Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, medical director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said the state’s case rate began to level off after 46 days of decline. It also found a much higher positivity rate – 9.6%.

In addition to some worrying trends in settings, Whitmer and Khaldun both spoke about a new variant of COVID-19, which may be even easier to spread.

Whitmer was asked if, because of these concerns, the state would see increased restrictions beyond the current MDHHS command.

Click here for the full story.