Cases of COVID-19 UK Variant Found in Gladwin, Roscommon Counties

A day after the Saginaw County Health Department announced a case of the UK variant of COVID-19, the Central Michigan District Health Department said it was notified this week of two cases of the variant, known as B.1.1.7. The cases were identified in adult females, in Gladwin and Roscommon Counties through routine active surveillance by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The Central Michigan District Health Department says case investigation and contract tracing have been completed.

“The identification of this more contagious variant in our area reminds us that we must continue to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, staying six feet apart, and avoiding indoor gatherings,” said Dr. Jennifer Morse, Medical Director for the health department. “Anyone who has any symptoms or may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, either here or during travel, should get tested and quarantine themselves,” she added.

The Central Michigan District Health Department covers Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon Counties. The B.1.1.7. variant has been identified in 47 states and jurisdictions in the U.S. As of this past Sunday, there were 437 cases in Michigan.