Laboratory results have revealed the first two known cases of the highly infectious U.K. variant (B.1.117) in Contra Costa County. The B.1.117 variant, dubbed the U.K. variant because it is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, is more contagious than others and possibly more deadly.
“This is a reminder that even though COVID numbers are falling, we need to continue using all our tools to prevent another surge: wear masks in public, continue to physically distance, avoid both indoor and large gatherings, and get vaccinated when it’s your turn,” said Dr. Chris Farnitano, the county’s health officer.
Initial studies suggest the three COVID vaccines in the United State provide strong protection against the U.K. variant and others.
While these are the first confirmed cases of the U.K. variant in Contra Costa, Dr. Chris Farnitano, the county’s health officer, said there are likely many more in the community that have not been detected.
“We can’t say how widespread it is in Contra Costa, but it’s concerning,” Dr. Farnitano said.
The South African variant, another COVID variant of concern, has yet to be detected in Contra Costa, although Dr. Farnitano said we should assume it also circulating in California.
The presence of the U.K. variants were discovered as part of laboratory surveillance work during the pandemic. One local person infected with the U.K. variant began displaying common COVID-19 symptoms such as cough and muscles aches and was able to isolate at home. The other Contra Costa resident reported having multiple symptoms, including runny nose, cough, headache and loss of smell and taste.
You don’t find these variants until you start looking, all of them could have been around for a while.
Time to shut down. Easter is only 2 weeks away.
And place police around locations commonly used for sunrise service. We must show the people the state is their only master.
They are calling this the U.K. variant but it was not O.K. to call Covid-19 the Wuhan Flu, where it originated.
Sancho Panza~
Funny how that works, isn’t it.
My Hubby, not thinking, had mentioned it as the ‘Chinese Virus’ last week, at work. It didn’t go over very well with some, and now mines his wording.
We have been swimming in the different variants for a year now so how is this any different? It’s not it’s just more fear to sell to those buying.
You need to check your science
Dianne, do you believe every individual that has been infected has been tested and the variant determined? Or do you believe the science which has shown unequivocally that an individual can be infected and never know it?
What a frigging revelation. Stop allowing so many immigrants into the country and maybe that can start to stem the issue.
Are the MURDER hornets coming to contra costa county too?
ah oh, time for four masks now!!
LOL
“PoSSibLy mOrE DEadLY”
I guess that means it could possibly by less deadly too, eh?
Just getting out of the Woods.
Wait and see, if we’ll have to hit the re-set button on this.
Runny nose, cough, and headache.
So, it’s a cold
536,000 Americans have died of Covid-19 so far. In the UK, the death toll is now over 125,000. It’s not a cold and it’s not the sniffles. If, and when you have a chance to get vaccinated, do it. Do it for yourself and for the people you care about.
@The Observer – “of” Covid-19, or “with” Covid-19?
It’s just Contra Costa County’s favorite 10 trusty hypochondriacs at it again.
Two cases are found in our county of how many people??
Please Dr. Farnitano, stop the fear mongering and find something useful to do.
Aw we don’t even care anymore!
Covid is as common as a cold now with all the variants coming out and EVERYONE will get it vaccinated or not.
We now live our lives just as we did before all this started and ignore all the bs publicity and fear mongering..
It’s called the Vaccine Variant.
Too bad you all only listen to mainstream media and believe Nothing but LIES.
Once the government gets the power over the people they will never relinquish it.
Goes for unelected political donators/appointees too.
Or even mere buearocrats.
Power corrupts everyone but those with the best and strongest character values.
No one in government has shown any level of good character values or any redeemable values at all.
Awe yes more and more fear porn for the weak minded masses 🙄
Next round of fear mongering.
Getting tired of the idiots blocking the entrance to the grocery store doors so they wipe down their shopping cart. And tired of wearing a mask. Everyone who ventures into public that can get sick has gotten sick already. Anyone I’ve met who knows anyone who had it said all symptoms were very mild. Only sick people are dying. Same can happen with a flu or pneumonia or a bad cold.
COVID HOAX.
Just in time to shut everything back down for Easter. They hate religion.