NC reports first case of highly contagious variant of COVID-19 :: WRAL.com

Raleigh, North Carolina – At least three cases of a variant of COVID-19 originating in the United Kingdom have been detected in North Carolina.

Medical experts say variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in December, is more contagious but not more deadly than COVID-19. According to the CDC, 195 cases of the British variant have been detected in 21 US states as of January 22.

The Guilford County Public Health Division confirmed a positive COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant case in Guilford County on January 27, according to a press release, and WITN News reports that another case of the British strain was reported in Onslow County on January 11.

Earlier this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services identified the first adult case of the variant in Mecklenburg County.

Dr Iulia Vann, director of public health for Guilford County, said the county is conducting contact tracing and “will continue to follow this case closely.”

Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant, but the practice of the three W’s – washing your hands, wearing a mask and waiting 6 feet apart – is more important than ever, officials say.

“Although expected, the identification of this variant of COVID-19 in North Carolina is of concern, especially since we are already seeing a very large number of cases,” said Mandy Cohen, secretary of NCDHHS.

Public health officials advise people to stay home except for essential activities and to avoid ending up, especially indoors, with people who don’t live with you.

If you absolutely must travel or be with people you don’t live with, get tested in advance, keep it small and outside, and always wear a mask.