State health officials warn of the UK virus variant, now considered widespread in Minnesota

Health officials are tracking these different variants closely through genome sequencing.

“We estimate that 50% -65% of the COVID-positive samples tested from March 16 to 20 were B117,” said Minnesota state epidemiologist and MDH medical director, Dr. Ruth Lynfield, of the variant. “This is an increase compared to samples tested from March 10 to March 15, in which 38% -44% were estimated to be B117.”

Of the positive cases tested for the variant, only 15% of these people reported having traveled.

Health officials say this indicates that the variant is becoming the dominant strain in Minnesota. They said they are also concerned about two other variants coming from California.

Dr. Fauci warns of possible increase in viruses in the USA

They say that all these variants are proving to be more contagious and that is why they are concerned about another possible increase.

“With these variants circulating and making it easier than ever for an infected person to pass COVID-19 to another susceptible person, now is the time to buckle up and finish the job we all started,” said Dr. Lynfield.

Health officials say they know that people are tired and ready to end the virus.

“COVID-fatigue”, as they call it, is real and is out there, they said, but added that now is the time to keep moving forward.

They are encouraging Minnesota residents to continue wearing masks and social detachment until more people are vaccinated.

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Meanwhile, according to the Associated Press, the United Kingdom, which spent much of last year in confinement, recorded more than 126,000 virus-related deaths, the highest pandemic death rate in Europe and one of the highest in the world.