Fast spreading UK COVID-19 variant is spreading in Worcester County
Seventeen cases of the highly infective COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant have been identified in Worcester County, with officials warning residents to continue protect themselves against the virus even as vaccine distribution ramps up.
Testing completed at the State Public Health Laboratory has identified 19 infections of the B.1.1.7 variant, originally identified in the United Kingdom, bringing the total number of cases known to be infected with this variant of the virus to 29 in Massachusetts.
It is unknown if any of the cases of the UK strain involved Grafton residents. The town has seen 953 Covid cases and 17 deaths since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.
The first case in the United States was identified in late December 2020 and in Massachusetts on January 17. Four of those 29 cases have evidence of recent travel, suggesting that the majority of cases identified in Massachusetts are community-acquired.
Cases have ranged in age from 4 years to-almost 70; they include 13 females and 16 males. There have been 17 cases in Worcester County, one in Hampden County, two in Middlesex County, six in Norfolk County, two in Plymouth County, and one in Suffolk County.
The B.1.1.7 variant is known to spread more easily and has caused a rapid surge of cases in the UK, several other countries, and in parts of California and Florida. Two other variants of concern are the B.1.351 originally found in South Africa, and the P.1 variant, which originated in Brazil. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of those two variants in Massachusetts.
The best defense against a rapid rise in cases from variants of concern is to prevent the spread of COVID. New information from CDC shows that improving the fit and filtration of masks helps reduce the spread of the virus.
Mask fit can be improved by using a mask with a nose wire and by using a mask fitter or by knotting the ear loops and tucking the sides. Mask filtration is improved by using multiple layers.
Other critical public health measures to help prevent the spread of COVID include social distancing (staying 6 feet away from others), avoiding groups, staying home when you are sick, getting tested if you have symptoms or are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID, and getting vaccinated when it is your turn.
