LA County has confirmed its second case of the B117 variant, the one that is widespread in the UK and is believed to be more contagious.
The specimen, which came from a clinical facility, was sequenced as part of routine surveillance by the health department. Officials say they believe the variant is already spreading in the county and continue to test samples.
"Presence of the B.1.1.7 variant in L.A. County means virus transmission can happen more easily, and residents and businesses must more diligently implement and follow all of the personal protective actions and safety measures," according to a press release from the health dept.
On Jan. 16, LA County officials confirmed the first case of the B117 variant, in an individual who had recently spent time in the county and traveled to Oregon.
LA's messaging continues to be confusing: "Because some sectors have re-opened, it doesn’t mean that the risk for community transmission has gone away ... This virus is strong, and we are now concerned about variants and what these will mean in our region."
Also, LA County today reported 316 new deaths and 6,918 new cases of COVID-19
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