BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Vermont health officials responded Friday to news that the UK variant of COVID-19 was detected in Burlington wastewater samples, indicating that the most contagious mutation is now present in the community.
Vermont health commissioner Dr. Mark Levine said he was not surprised that the variant potentially found its way to Vermont and that he had been waiting for this for some time. “Knowing this news doesn’t really mean that we have to change everything we do, we just need to do everything for the better,” said Levine.
The samples containing two mutations came from Burlington’s main wastewater treatment plant, which covers the city center, Old North End, South End and parts of the Hill Section. Levine says that the variant is probably present here. If state tests confirm the results, Vermont will join 34 other states to have the variant present.
Dr. Levine says the United Kingdom, or variant B.1.1.7, may even become the predominant strain of COVID in the United States. “Mutations and variants are expected over time. The reason why variant B.1.1.7 is worrisome is that it is considered more transmissible and can lead to more cases of COVID-19, as well as potentially more hospitalizations or deaths, ”said Levine.
The state of Vermont will spend the next week doing the genomic sequencing of the virus from individuals who are positive for covid to officially confirm the presence of the variant that some studies consider 30 to 40 percent more contagious.
People we spoke to in Burlington said that while they are concerned, they are already taking great care not to spread the virus. “I myself was very cautious about being from Vermont, we have very strict guidelines first, so getting used to it really helps,” said Ian Anglum, from Manchester.
“I find it difficult when you are walking around with a double mask, but I think the double mask is also super efficient if you are in a supermarket or anywhere. I think it’s definitely worth it, ”said Sophia Merageas, from Burlington.
Dr. Levine said he agreed with the CDC’s findings this week that double masking can be very protective against transmitting the virus, in addition to other precautions last year.
Related Story:
Burlington wastewater test finds COVID variants in the UK
Copyright 2021 WCAX. All rights reserved.