BAY COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Michigan has identified its first case of a new COVID-19 variant.
The P.1, or “Brazil” variant, was confirmed in a Bay County resident earlier this month, according to state officials. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the resident is a female and her travel history is not currently known. The case was diagnosed in early March and she has since recovered.
“We are concerned about the discovery of another variant in Michigan,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “It is now even more important that Michiganders continue to do what works to slow the spread of the virus by wearing their masks properly, socially distancing, avoiding crowds, washing their hands often and making a plan to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine once it is their turn. We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic as quickly as possible.”
Michigan now has identified five variants of COVID-19. The B.1.1.7 version of the virus, which was first found in the United Kingdom, continues to be the most prominent in Michigan with nearly 1,500 total cases confirmed.
Meanwhile, Michigan reported over 6,000 new COVID-19 cases for the second day in a row, bringing the new daily average of cases to over 5,000 during the past seven days. State health officials said 6,036 new cases were reported Thursday along with 49 additional deaths from the virus. 33 of the deaths were confirmed through vital records reviews.
Total pandemic cases in Michigan have now reached over 678,000 and the death toll is now 16,141 residents.
