FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 18, 2021
Contact: Black Hawk County Health Department
Phone: 319-291-2413
publichealth@blackhawkcounty.iowa.gov
On March 17, 2021 the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that additional cases of the COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B. 1.1.7 were confirmed in Iowa. The variant is often referred to as the U.K. variant because it was first detected in the United Kingdom.
IDPH has informed the Black Hawk County Health Department that this variant has been confirmed in Black Hawk County. The Black Hawk County Health Department initiated contact with the cases in order to understand their exposures and recommend mitigation measures. The process includes notifying anyone with whom these individuals have been in close contact. The individuals have been advised to isolate in accordance with IDPH and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance.
The emergence of new variants underscores that it remains critical that Black Hawk County continues the mitigation efforts that we know work to slow the spread of COVID-19:
• Wear a mask or face covering
• Practice social distancing with those outside your household
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Stay home if you feel sick
• Get tested if you are exposed to, or have symptoms of COVID-19
• Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to you
For information and updates related to COVID-19, visit https://www.blackhawkcovid19.com/
and follow us on Facebook (@BlackHawkCountyHealthDepartment) and Twitter (@BHCHD).
For information and updates related to COVID-19, visit https://www.blackhawkcovid19.com/ and follow us on Facebook (@BlackHawkCountyHealthDepartment) and Twitter (@BHCHD).
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