Raleigh, NC – The first case of the highly contagious COVID-19 variant was confirmed in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services identified the first case of the variant in an adult in Mecklenburg County.
The COVID variant, called B.1.1.7., Was first detected in the United Kingdom in December.
According to officials, 195 cases of the COVID variant were reported in 21 states by January 22.
“The first data suggests that this variant may be more contagious than other variants,” said the NCDHHS in a statement.
Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant, according to authorities.
“Although it is expected, the identification of this COVID-19 variant in North Carolina is worrying, especially as we are already seeing a very high number of cases,” said Mandy Cohen, secretary of the NCDHHS.
“It is more important than ever to practice 3Ws,” she said.
Wash hands. Wear a mask. Wait 6 feet away.
State health officials advise people to stay at home, except for essential activities, and to avoid meeting, especially indoors, with people who do not live with you.
If you really need to travel or be with people you don’t live with, get tested in advance, keep it small and outdoors and always wear a mask.
And, of course, make an appointment for a vaccine as soon as one is available for you.