Another case of highly contagious COVID variant reported in Trenton

There was another confirmed case of the United Kingdom’s COVID-19 variant in New Jersey, this time in the northern district of Trenton, Mayor W. Reed Gusciora announced today.

City officials have been notified that a COVID-19 test by a North Trenton resident showed the presence of the UK’s COVID-19 variant (B.1.1.7), the mayor said. This resident has since tested negative and someone else in the house is now testing.

The first two cases of the same variant were reported in New Jersey on January 22. According to the CDC website, this variant spreads more quickly and easily than other versions of the virus.

“With the appearance of this variant in Trenton, we cannot think of a more important time to remind our residents to keep their guard up,” said Gusciora. “That means practicing social detachment, wearing your mask and getting tested if you have any symptoms.”

The city is offering the COVID-19 test at the MLK School at 401 Brunswick Ave on February 9 and February 12, 2021, from 11 am to 3 pm. No registration is required and tests will be administered on a first come, first served basis. Although there is no charge for testing, residents are advised to bring their insurance cards, if they have them, along with proof of residence in Trenton.

According to city health officials, vaccines administered in the Trenton area are still effective against this variant of COVID-19. Residents who need help registering for vaccines are advised to call the city’s Health Department at (609) -989-3242.

To date, Trenton has had a total of 6,373 COVID-19 cases with 85 related deaths, Gusciora said.

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Jessica Remo can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on twitter @JessicaRemoNJ. Meet NJ.com on Facebook.

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