Nineteen cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, the variant previously discovered in the U.K., have been identified in Georgia, according to the state Department of Public Health.
A news release from the department states that the confirmed cases are in the metro Atlanta counties of Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Paulding counties. The cases have been identified as eight males and 11 females, ranging in age from 15 to 61-years-old.
No other COVID-19 variants have been discovered in Georgia, according to the release.
A representative with District 2 Public Health, which covers 13 North Georgia counties including Hall, Dawson, Habersham and White Counties, said in a press statement that no variant cases have been confirmed in its coverage area.
The Georgia Public Health Laboratory and several commercial labs are still working to identify the variant in hundreds of speciments collected at testing sites across the state. The statement warns that there could still be cases of the variant in areas not yet tested.
“The CDC has said this U.K. variant is likely to be the dominant strain in the U.S. by sometime in March,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner, Georgia Department of Public Health. “We must ensure we are taking every precaution right now to prevent transmission of COVID and to avoid a surge in hospitalizations and loss of life.”
Because this variant is more contagious, the general public is encouraged to continue wearing a mask, social distancing, frequently washing hands and avoiding large gatherings. In addition, community members should receive a COVID-19 vaccine when eligible. Representatives from both Pfizer and Moderna have said their current vaccines appear to work against this variant, according to the release.
For more information about COVID-19 visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2021/2/975671/cases-of-covid-19-variant-identified-in-georgia-counties