KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Three new cases of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant have been found in Kalamazoo County, with no link to the first case previously identified.
Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department is conducting disease investigation and contact tracing to identity close contacts, according to a news release Monday.
All close contacts will be quarantined for 14 days and encouraged to get tested for COVID-19.
General details on the individuals testing positive for the variant in Kalamazoo County include:
- Person over 80 years old, no travel history
- Person in 20s with travel history
- Person in 50s with no travel history
- Person in 30s with unknown travel history
“The three new cases identified of the COVID-10 variant B.1.1.7 without clear connection between each other tells us that community spread is likely occurring,” said Dr. William Nettleton, medical director of Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department. “This is not unexpected news. We know this variant is more contagious. It is important that we continue to wear masks, social distance and avoid social gatherings, wash our hands, get tested for COVID-19 and get vaccinated when it is available to you.”
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