Raleigh, NC – The first case of the highly contagious COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has 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 UK in December.
According to officials, 195 cases of COVID have been reported in 21 states since January 22.
“Early data suggest that this variant may be more contagious than other variants,” NCDHHS said in a statement.
Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant, according to officials.
“Although expected, the identification of this COVID-19 variant in North Carolina is worrying, especially at a time when we are already seeing a very large number of cases,” said Mandy Cohen, secretary of the NCDHHS.
“It’s more important than ever to practice 3Ws,” she said.
Wash your hands. He’s wearing a mask. Wait 6 feet away.
State health officials advise people to stay at home, except for essential activities, and to avoid gathering, especially indoors, with people who do not live with you.
If you absolutely need to travel or be with people you don’t live with, be tested in advance, keep it small and outdoors, and always wear a mask.
And, of course, get an appointment for a vaccine when one is available to you.