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Raleigh, North Carolina – The first case of the highly contagious variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has identified the first case of the variant in an adult in Mecklenburg County.
The COVID variant, called B.1.1.7., Was first detected in the UK in December.
Officials say 195 cases of the COVID variant have been reported in 21 states as of January 22.
“Early data suggests that this variant may be more contagious than other variants,” NCDHHS said in a statement.
Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant, 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.
“It’s more important than ever to practice 3W,” she says.
Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Wait 6 feet away.
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 ahead of time, keep it small and outside, and always wear a mask.
And, of course, make an appointment for a vaccine as soon as you have one.
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