The first case of a variant strain of the COVID-19 virus in Michigan was found in Washtenaw county.
A Washtenaw county woman who had recently traveled to the United Kingdom where this new strain of the virus originated was confirmed to be the first such case in the state. Washtenaw county public health spokesperson Susan Cirniglia says they are “concerned but not surprised” by the case. This new strain of the COVID-19 virus is believed to be more contagious. But she says the current COVID-19 vaccine is effective on this new strain.
“Indication at this point is that the vaccine that has been developed will also be effective against this variant”
She says this new variant strain of the virus now present in the state doesn’t change the way they are generally responding to the virus. She says the same wear a mask, wash your hands and socially distance protocols are still the most effective for avoiding the virus.