Health officials investigating COVID-19 outbreak in North Branford involving people with UK variant – NBC Connecticut

Health officials are investigating a COVID-19 outbreak caused by a large family gathering in North Branford, according to the East Shore District Health Department. The outbreak has involved several people with the B.1.1.7 variant strain of COVID-19, which was first discovered in the UK, officials said.

A spokesperson for the State Department of Public Health said on Monday that the department was aware of the cases. After working with local health officials, DPH has determined that none of the North Branford cases have experienced travel stories, meaning the variant is “circulating in the community,” according to a spokesperson. of DPH.

Health officials are investigating a COVID-19 outbreak caused by a large family gathering in North Branford, according to the East Shore District Health Department. The outbreak has involved several people with the B.1.1.7 variant strain of COVID-19, which was first discovered in the UK, officials said.

In a press conference on Monday, Governor Ned Lamont said eight more people were diagnosed with the variant over the weekend, bringing the total number of cases of the B.1.1.7 strain in the state at 16. It is not clear whether these figures include the North Branford related business.

The COVID-19 outbreak is also linked to the North Branford High School hockey team needing to be quarantined, officials said.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health and the East Shore District Health Department are investigating.

The coronavirus vaccine has been shown to be safe, but some of the temporary side effects can seem pretty harsh – especially when you get that second dose. Iahn Gonsenhauser, head of patient safety at Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University, described his own experience of fever and “extreme” chills after his second injection so you’ll know what to expect.

“As positive COVID-19 cases have declined since the sharp increase after the holidays, we need to remind our residents to remain vigilant, especially in light of the COVID-19 variant which is now present in Connecticut.” Michael Pascucilla, director of public health for the East Shore District Health Department, said in a statement.