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Eight new cases of COVID-19 variant reported in Cook County

State and county health officials announced on Monday that eight additional cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, first identified in the United Kingdom, have been reported in Cook County. 

Health officials previously announced a single case of the variant in Chicago on Jan. 15, bringing the total to nine cases. The nine cases range in age from 12 to 63 years and live in Cook County, including Chicago. 

Specimens testing positive for the variant through genomic sequencing were collected between Dec. 29, 2020, and Jan. 15.

“With reports of this variant already in many states in the U.S., we anticipated its spread here in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike.  “Early studies have found that this variant spreads more easily than what we have seen with the current prevailing variant.  We are following closely to see if there is evidence that infections by this variant cause more severe disease or death.  Based on the information available now, the vaccine will still be effective.  Continued masking and vaccination when it is your turn remain our best path to defeating this virus as quickly as possible.”

“We expected to see more cases of this variant crop up, and people should know that the best way to protect themselves is continue wearing a mask, washing hands often, staying six feet away from others and getting vaccinated when it is your turn,” said Cook Counth Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady.  

Viruses constantly change and new variants are expected.  In addition to the B.1.1.7 variant, another variant, 1.351 has emerged in South Africa, and another, P.1 in Brazil. 

The same measures that have helped protect Illinoisans from COVID-19 will also help protect residents from the variant. Wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, avoiding crowds, ventilating indoor spaces and washing hands frequently remain the best tools for preventing the spread of this virus, no matter the strain.

COVID-19 vaccine information and data can be found on the IDPH website at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-faq.

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