ANN ARBOR, MI – The Washtenaw County Health Department announced on Saturday that it is aware of possible public exposure to COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7.
A total of five cases of the variant have been identified and further sequencing continues for other possible cases already positive for COVID-19, according to the health department’s January 23 press release.
Officials say, public exhibitions are not normally a COVID-19 exposure concern, but B.1.1.7. variant is more easily transmitted and can lead to more cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
Related: 2 more cases of variant COVID-19 linked to the woman from Washtenaw County
Washtenaw’s health leaders are recommending the immediate COVID-19 test to anyone at the following locations at the specified times:
- Sunday, January 17th at Meijer on Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Ann Arbor MI from 9am to 10am
- Sunday, January 17 at Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor MI from 1 pm to 2 pm
Related: What Michiganders should know about the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.7
The initial case of B.1.1.7. variant was identified on January 16 in the University of Michigan community, according to the statement. It is not clear whether all subsequent cases are linked to this first case.
“The possibility of further spread of the variant is a concern,” said Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director of the Washtenaw County Department of Health.
“At this point and with guidance from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we are encouraging extra precautions. Do the test if you have symptoms, have recently been exposed to COVID-19, or have recently traveled to a location where the new variant is circulating. And everyone should make sure that they are using all COVID-19 precautions consistently. This includes face masks, social distance, hand cleaning, avoiding crowds or meetings and following isolation and quarantine guidelines. “
Although it is believed to be more contagious, there is no indication that B.1.1.7 affects the clinical results or the severity of the disease compared to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
The Washtenaw County Department of Health, MDHHS and the University of Michigan are working together to implement additional containment strategies to slow the spread of the variant, the statement said.
SEE MORE INFORMATION:
What Michiganders should know about the new coronavirus variant B.1.1.7
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