Raleigh, NC – At least three cases of a COVID-19 variant originating in the United Kingdom have been detected in North Carolina.
Medical experts say that variant B.1.1.7, which was first detected in December, is more contagious, but not more deadly than COVID-19. According to the CDC, 195 cases of the British version have been detected in 21 US states since January 22.
Guilford County Public Health Division confirmed a positive case of COVID-19 B.1.1.7 in Guilford County on January 27, according to a press release, and WITN News reports that another case of British strain has been reported in Onslow County on January 11th.
Earlier this month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services identified the first case of the variant in an adult in Mecklenburg County.
Dr. Iulia Vann, the public health director of Guilford County, said the county is tracking contacts and “will continue to monitor this case closely.”
Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant, but practicing the three Ws – washing hands, wearing a mask and waiting 6 meters away – is more important than ever, 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.
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.