(WXYZ) – The COVID-19 variant that is believed to be more contagious has now been found in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services states that B.1.1.7. was found in a woman from Washtenaw County. Officials say the woman recently traveled to the UK, where this variant was first identified.
Contact tracking was performed and individuals who had close contact with the woman were identified and are in quarantine. Two people who had contact with the woman tested positive for COVID-19, but it is not yet known whether it is the new strain.
While B.1.1.7. The variant was considered more contagious; to date, there has been no indication that it results in more severe cases of the virus.
“The discovery of this variant in Michigan is worrying, but not unexpected,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical officer and deputy chief health officer in a press release. “We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic as quickly as possible. We continue to urge the Michiganders to follow a research-based approach using their masks properly, socializing, avoiding crowds, washing their hands frequently and making a plan to get the COVID-19 vaccine safe and effective as soon as it is their turn ” .
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
See one global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
See the full coverage in our Coronavirus continuous coverage page.
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