The CDC is closely monitoring the progression of new coronavirus variants in the United States. Variant B.1.351, first identified in South Carolina, has now appeared 21 times in 10 states, while variant P.1 first found in Minnesota has been reported five times in four states. But there is another strain, B.1.1.7, which is sounding alarms: 1,523 cases are reported in 42 states on February 18.
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SPOKANE, Wash. – A new variant of the coronavirus has been discovered in Spokane County through genome sequencing.
The Spokane Regional Health District said that one case of the variant COVID-19 B.1.427 and four cases of B.1.429 were discovered. This variant was initially detected in California in July 2020.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this variant is worrying, as initial research suggests that it may be more infectious and may cause more serious illnesses than the dominant initial strain of SARS-CoV-2.
“Finding variants in our community does not change the way we respond,” said Dr. Frank Velazquez of the interim Health Office. “This reinforces the need for everyone in our county to diligently follow health measures. Wear a mask, wash your hands, move away physically and avoid large clusters where distance is not possible. “
Velázquez said that the most effective way to combat mutations is to stop transmissions, which can be done with vaccination, social distance and a mask.
On May 1, all people over 16 in Washington will become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
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