CALHOUN COUNTY, Mich. — The first cases of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant were identified in Calhoun County on Monday, according to a news release.
This variant was identified in two separate instances: one individual Calhoun County resident, as well as a separate, three-member family who tested positive.
None of the four identified cases have required medical attention so far.
The county’s health department is contact tracing and all close contacts will be quarantined for 14 days and encouraged to get tested for COVID-19.
The variant was identified through submission of samples from health care partners to the state public health laboratory.
“The identification of the B.1.1.7 variant in Calhoun County underscores the importance of our community wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding social gatherings, washing our hands, getting tested for COVID-19 and getting vaccinated,” said Dr. William Nettleton, medical director for the Calhoun County Public Health Department.
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