COVID variant in H.C.
Fri, 03/19/2021 - 9:46am
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HOWARD COUNTY - The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed one case of the COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7. in Howard County.
The emergence of new variants underscores that it remains critical for Iowans to continue the mitigation efforts that we know work to slow the spread of COVID-19:
• Wear a mask or face covering
• Practice social distancing with those outside your household
• Clean your hands frequently with soap and water
• Stay home if you feel sick
• Get tested if you are exposed to or have symptoms of COVID-19
• Consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to you
The virus variant is often referred to as the U.K. variant because it was first detected in the United Kingdom. Based on epidemiologic and modeling data, researchers believe that the B.1.1.7 strain can be spread more easily than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. Current COVID-19 vaccines are considered to be effective against the variant strain.
