NEW COVID-19 VARIANT SEEN IN CALIFORNIA

A COVID-19 variant first found in other countries is now being seen more frequently in California.

This strain is different from the B.1.1.7 variant that was first detected in the United Kingdom. The California Department of Public Health said the 452R Variant has been detected in 12 counties in the state, according to KCRA 3 News.

Officials said the state is working with the CDC and public health departments to learn more about the variant and how it spreads.

“It is common to identify variants of viruses like SARS-CoV-2, and we are working with our federal, local and university partners to better understand this variant and how it might impact Californians,” said Dr. Erica Pan, State Epidemiologist for CDPH.

“It’s too soon to know if this variant will spread more rapidly than others, but it certainly reinforces the need for all Californians to wear masks and reduce mixing with people outside their immediate households to help slow the spread of the virus. We also urge anyone who has been exposed to the virus to isolate from others to protect themselves and their loved ones,” she said.

The 452R variant was first identified in 2020, and has been identified in several large outbreaks in Santa Clara County.

CDPH said the new variant was also found in Humboldt, Lake, Los Angeles, Mono, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, San Francisco, San Bernardino, San Diego and San Luis Obispo counties.

Officials add, however, that because genomic sequencing is done differently across the state and country, it’s too soon to know how prevalent the variant is.

WEEKLY FEATURE : JOSE MARI CHAN AND THE CHRISTMAS ANTHEM