The South African variant of the coronavirus (B.1.351) and the United Kingdom variant (B.1.1.7) were found in San Benito County.The cases were found on March 1 and March 15, respectively. The variants are both more contagious that the initial strain of the COVID-19 virus. Some of these variants appear to be at least twice as easy to pass between persons, can cause more severe infection and possibly more deaths.New COVID-19 variants have been recently found in neighboring counties, across California and much of the U.S.“The arrival of these variants in the county and state were expected, as they are spreading across the nation and in other countries. Fortunately, all three approved vaccines are effective against these variants,” said Dr. David Ghilarducci, San Benito County Interim Health Officer.Governor Gavin Newsom announced on twitter Thursday that beginning April 15, eligibility will be expanded to everyone 16 and older. Starting on April 1, Californians over the age of 50 will be able to sign up for the vaccine.Video from previous broadcast.
The South African variant of the coronavirus (B.1.351) and the United Kingdom variant (B.1.1.7) were found in San Benito County.
The cases were found on March 1 and March 15, respectively.
The variants are both more contagious that the initial strain of the COVID-19 virus. Some of these variants appear to be at least twice as easy to pass between persons, can cause more severe infection and possibly more deaths.
New COVID-19 variants have been recently found in neighboring counties, across California and much of the U.S.
“The arrival of these variants in the county and state were expected, as they are spreading across the nation and in other countries. Fortunately, all three approved vaccines are effective against these variants,” said Dr. David Ghilarducci, San Benito County Interim Health Officer.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced on twitter Thursday that beginning April 15, eligibility will be expanded to everyone 16 and older. Starting on April 1, Californians over the age of 50 will be able to sign up for the vaccine.
Video from previous broadcast.