Total 5 COVID Variant Cases Reported in Michigan So Far

YPSILANTI, me. – A total of five cases of a new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus have been identified so far in Michigan, according to health officials.

The Washtenaw County Health Department announced on Saturday, January 23 that a total of five cases of the variant of the virus, also known as B117, have been identified among residents of the county.

The health department is warning residents of potential exposure sites, where customers may have come in contact with the variant of the virus.

People who visited the following places Sunday January 17 are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 immediately:

The county is offering free drive-through COVID PCR testing on Sunday, Jan. 24 between noon and 5 p.m. at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor. Those interested are encouraged to register for the online test in advance, but it is not mandatory. Learn more here.

The first known case of the new Michigan strain, considered highly contagious and potentially more fatal, was discovered in a Washtenaw County woman on January 16. Two more cases were identified in two other residents of Washtenaw County on January 21. the individuals have reportedly been in close contact with each other, but officials say it is not clear whether any of the five cases are linked to the first case.

“The possibility of further spread of the variant is a concern,” says Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director of the Washtenaw County health department. “At this point and with guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we encourage additional precautions. Look for tests if you are showing symptoms, have recently been exposed to COVID-19, or have recently traveled to a place where the new variant is circulating. And everyone needs to make sure they use all COVID-19 precautions consistently. This includes face masks, social distancing, hand cleaning, avoiding crowds or gatherings, and following isolation and quarantine advice. “

More: Michigan health officials concerned about COVID variants

The B117 variant was first identified in the UK at the end of 2020 and has sent part of that country into strict lockdown to help curb the spread of the virus. The strain was first identified in the United States at the end of December, first in Colorado and then in California. The variant of the virus has so far reportedly made its way to at least 20 states nationwide.

Michigan officials believed it was likely the COVID variant had already made its way into the state by January 16.

“We’ve been warning people for weeks that this variant would likely be identified in the state of Michigan,” says Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, medical director and deputy chief of health at MDHHS. “We want everyone to understand that this variant is transmitted much more easily and that there is an increased risk of rapid spread. Now is the time for people to take extra precautions and limit any potential exposure. Wear your mask, wash your hands, avoid gatherings, and make an appointment for a vaccine when it’s your turn. We all have a role to play in ending this pandemic. “

Authorities say it’s likely that more than five cases of the B117 strain exist in Michigan that have yet to be discovered.

To help prevent the spread of the virus, individuals are encouraged to continue practicing mitigation measures, including good hygiene and frequent hand washing, wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding crowds and gatherings.

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Related: UK chief scientist says new virus variant could be deadlier