MA Health Officials Announce 19 New UK Variant Cases, "Probably More Deadly"
GoLocalProv News Team
MA Health Officials Announce 19 New UK Variant Cases, "Probably More Deadly"
The first case in the United States was identified in late December 2020 and in Massachusetts on January 17, 2021.
Only four of those 29 UK variant cases have evidence of recent travel, suggesting that the majority of cases identified in Massachusetts are community-acquired.
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There have been 17 cases in Worcester County, one in Hampden County, 2 in Middlesex County, 6 in Norfolk County, 2 in Plymouth County, and 1 in Suffolk County.
The New York Times reported today that the variant is likely more deadly.
"British government scientists are increasingly finding the coronavirus variant first detected in Britain to be linked to a higher risk of death than other versions of the virus, a devastating trend that highlights the serious risks and considerable uncertainties of this new phase of the pandemic. The scientists said last month that there was a “realistic possibility” that the variant was not only more contagious than others, but also more lethal. Now, they say in a new document that it is “likely” that the variant is linked to an increased risk of hospitalization and death," reported the Times.
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. Learn more about how to use masks to protect yourself and others at Improve the Fit and Filtration of Your Mask to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 | CDC.
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.
19 new cases
Worcester County 40s female
Worcester County 16s male
Worcester County <19 female
Worcester County 40s male
Worcester County 30s female
Worcester County 30s female
Worcester County 30s female
Worcester County 40s male
Worcester County <19 male
Worcester County 60s male
Worcester County 30s male
Worcester County 50s female
Middlesex County <19 male
Worcester County 50s male
Worcester County 20s female
Norfolk County 50s male
Norfolk County 20s male
Middlesex County 20s male
Norfolk County 50s female
10 previous cases, since Jan. 17, 2021
Suffolk County 20s female
Worcester County 20s male
Worcester County <19 male
Hampden County 20s male
Plymouth County 60s male
Norfolk County 40s male
Norfolk County 30s female
Plymouth County 50s female
Worcester County 50s female
Norfolk County 20s female