GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — West Michigan health officials are preparing for a new, more contagious strain of COVID-19. In fact, it’s probable the new variant is already be in the region.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced Saturday it had identified the first case of “B.1.1.7” in Washtenaw County. According to MDHHS, the infected woman recently traveled to the United Kingdom, where the virus originated in the final months of 2020.
“We’re watching it. We’re certainly not looking forward to it and would love to avoid it. It’s probably here already. Our hope is that it doesn’t get ingrained and have a rapid spread like it has in other parts of the country.” – Mercy Health St. Mary’s division chief of infectious disease Dr. Andrew Jameson speaking to FOX 17.
Pfizer has said its vaccine appears to protect against the new strain. Moderna is still conducting tests to see if its vaccine does as well.
