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IDAHO FALLS – Eastern Idaho Public Health identified the presence of two variants of the coronavirus in the district. The United Kingdom variant (B.1.1.7) and the California variant are branches of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the virus that causes COVID-19.
Both variants have already been identified in other areas of the state, according to an EIPH press release.
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With the emergence of these variants in eastern Idaho, officials say it is imperative that the public follow the recommendations to slow the spread of the virus. These recommendations include:
- Keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face unnecessarily.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to seek medical attention.
- Follow all quarantine and isolation guidelines.
- Keep space between you and other people who are not in the same house.
- When you are unable to distance yourself, wear a mask correctly.
- Be vaccinated when you are eligible.
The best results in reducing virus transmission come when all of these strategies are done together, according to the statement. Health officials say no single intervention tool is perfect for reducing the spread of the virus. National health officials say the various vaccines are still effective against the variants.
Last week, Bonneville and Madison counties made national news as some of the fastest growing hotspots for the virus in the country. Currently, there are no mandates in force in any of the counties, but recommendations for masks and collection restrictions remain in effect.
Idaho Falls, Rexburg, has some of the worst recent outbreaks of COVID in the country
There are currently 653 active COVID-19 cases in the district. Since March 2020, there have been 25,807 cases in the district, with 25,154 recoveries and 228 deaths, according to the latest statistics.
For more information on the COVID vaccine, including who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine, how to schedule an appointment, what to expect from your appointment and information on the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, visit the EIPH website.
For the latest COVID-19 news, visit the COVID-19 EastIdahoNews.com page.