OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. — Two more cases of the highly-contagious COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 have been identified in Ottawa County, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
One of the confirmed cases is younger than 20 years old and the other is in their 20s – both had no known travel history. The first case of B.1.1.7 was identified in Ottawa County on March 10.
"We are encouraging everyone who may have been exposed to COVID-19, or have symptoms of the disease, to please seek out testing," said Marcia Mansaray, Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) deputy health officer. "Testing is more important than ever. If we can't find the virus, we can't stop it.”
The B.1.1.7 variant is highly-contagious. Compared to the wild-type virus, the variant is approximately 50% more transmissible, according to the OCDPH.
The help prevent the spread of the variant in Ottawa County, the OCDPH is asking residents to do the following:
- Wear a face mask around others
- Keep at least 6 feet apart from others
- Clean hands and disinfect surfaces frequently
- Avoid crowded areas or gatherings
- Ventilate indoor spaces if around others
- Avoid domestic and international travel
- Limit interactions with people who live outside of your household
- Seek testing if ill, exposed or after travel
- Follow isolation or quarantine guidance if ill, exposed, or waiting on test results
- Get vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available to you
Related video:
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
