At least one person in Durham County tested positive for the most infectious variant B.1.1.7 of COVID-19. The case was confirmed on Wednesday, and the county announced it on Thursday.
The infected individual is isolated, and whoever made contact with that person has been notified.
COVID-19 variants are known to be present in North Carolina and most other US states, but their prevalence is unclear.
“There have been variant cases found in several other counties in the state, as well as in at least 45 states across the country, so we hoped that we would eventually see variant cases here as well,” said Durham County Health Director Rod Jenkins.
Studies have shown that variant B.1.1.7 spreads more easily than other strains of the virus. It serves as a reminder for the public to follow common preventive measures of frequent and thorough hand washing, wearing a mask and keeping distance.
“It is extremely important to follow the 3 Ws – wear your proper fit mask, wait 2 meters away from each other and wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds at a time,” said Jenkins. “It is also essential to be vaccinated when it is your turn. We know that these are the best methods available for protection against COVID-19 and its variants.”