The more contagious strain of COVID-19 has been found in a Bucks County resident. It is the first known case of the new strain in the southeastern part of the state.
An investigation by the Philadelphia Department of Health and Bucks County Health Department discovered the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 strain in a woman in her 50s. The woman is a resident of both Bucks County and Philadelphia, authorities said in a statement.
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This is the second case of the strain being found in Pennsylvania. The first case was in Dauphin County last week.
City health officials said the woman was ill in the final weeks of December and briefly was hospitalized. She is now recovering.
Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said the strain doesn’t appear to be more serious, but it the new variant is more transmissible that previous strain common around the nation.
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The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that federal health experts believe the strain is rapidly spreading in the country and could become the dominant variant by March.
Evidence shows that the existing COVID-19 vaccines work on the variant.
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“Everyone in the area should take this information as a reminder to be even more consistent in wearing masks and keeping distance from others,” Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said.
“We are not overly concerned about this development because all available evidence shows that the existing vaccines are effective against this variant,” Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. David Damsker said. “So long as that continues to be the case, we will treat this variant the same as our other cases.”
Local, state, and federal health officials have been seeking to track the new strain of the novel coronavirus that has ravaged the world.
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The woman’s sample was sent to Dr. Frederic Bushman’s lab at the University of Pennsylvania for genetic sequencing. The testing determined it was the new strain.
Ways residents can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Wear a mask properly when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
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