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TOPEKA – Three cases of the B.1.1.7 variant responsible for COVID-19 have been identified in Shawnee County and confirmed by whole genome sequencing performed by the laboratories of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE ), according to a press release from the Shawnee County Department of Health.
Shawnee County received confirmation of these three cases on Tuesday morning. These are the first cases of this variant to be identified in Shawnee County and among more than 30 cases of this variant identified across Kansas.
Variant strains are mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that cause COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies variants into three categories: variant of interest, variant of concern, and variant of high consequence. The CDC has classified B.1.1.7, also known as the UK variant, as a variant of concern due to the increased likelihood of serious illness and the increased level of transmission.
The Shawnee County Department of Health (SCHD) urges residents to continue to be vigilant about wearing their masks, monitoring their distance, and washing their hands, among other preventive hygiene measures for limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
In addition, it remains important to get tested for COVID-19 if a person begins to experience symptoms related to COVID-19 or comes into contact with a confirmed positive case. Testing continues to be available and free to residents of Shawnee County. To find a location near you, visit: www.gogettested.com/kansas
“With the confirmation of variant B.1.1.7 in Shawnee County and the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Shawnee County and across the country, it is important that we continue as a community to do what we can to limit the spread. virus, ”said Dr Erin Locke, Shawnee County health worker.
“It’s important not to get complacent; We continue to promote proper face masks and encourage all eligible Shawnee County residents to get vaccinated when possible. “
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