COLDWATER – Two cases of a variant of the COVID-19 virus have been identified in St. Joseph County.

Rebecca Burns, Health Officer with the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says the variant is B.1.1.7. The individuals have been in isolation and close contacts quarantined since initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Variant identification is learned after the initial diagnosis and further testing of the specimen is done.

The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant originated in the United Kingdom and has been found throughout the United States, with the first case in Michigan recorded in January. Burns says the B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily and is believed to be more contagious. However, she says there is no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the original strain.

Burns says since the variant is more contagious, the virus could potentially infect more people with less exposure. She says that's why it is imperative our community strengthen prevention measures by wearing masks, physically distancing, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when it becomes available to you.

Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of this B.1.1.7 variant.