According to an article on KFYR-TV, the North Dakota Department of Health has confirmed the COVID-19 variant strain has been identified in two persons in North Dakota.  One of the people with the virus had just finished with travel abroad.  The other confirmed case from the North Dakota Department of Health was in close contact with the person who had traveled abroad.  At the time of this article, no location was given to the two people affected with the new strain of the virus.

SARS-CoV-2 virus was first detected in the United Kingdom was identified by genomic sequencing in positive specimens from two individuals in North Dakota. Both cases were identified by the North Dakota Department of Public Health's Laboratory.  There's one additional case thought to be the UK variant strain  that is being investigated in North Dakota as well.

This variant of the virus is thought to be more contagious than previous strains of COVID-19.  Health officials say that is why we need to stay vigilant with social distancing and continue to wear masks.  Vaccines are said to be as effective on the new strain SARS-CoV-2 as well.

According to the article, "This reinforces the importance of continuing to wear a mask, physical distancing, staying home when you’re sick, getting tested, and quarantining when you’ve been exposed to someone who has tested positive,” said Kirby Kruger, Disease Control Director for the North Department of Health. “Getting the vaccine when it’s your turn is another great way to prevent the spread of the variant strain.”


 

 

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