More contagious variant of COVID-19 identified in woman in Washtenaw County, first confirmed case in Michigan

(WXYZ) – The COVID-19 variant believed to be more contagious has now been found in Michigan.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports B.1.1.7. was found in a woman in Washtenaw County. Officials say the woman recently traveled to the UK, where this variant was first identified.

Contact tracing has been completed and people who have had close contact with the woman have been identified and are in quarantine. Two people who have had contact with the woman have tested positive for COVID-19, but it is not yet known whether this is the new strain.

While B.1.1.7. The variant has been found to be more contagious, so far there is no indication that it causes more severe cases of the virus.

“The discovery of this variant in Michigan is worrying, but not unexpected,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, medical director and deputy director of health at MDHHS in a press release. “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, socially distancing themselves, 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.

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