UK Variant Detected In Marin

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The highly contagious U.K. coronavirus strain has been detected in Marin County, Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis confirmed Tuesday.

Marin County Public Health's report of the county’s first two known cases of the B.1.1.7 variant comes as the county ramps up genomic sequencing.

The B.1.1.7 variant is classified as a “Variant of Concern” by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because it is more infectious than other strains, and it may lead to more severe disease.

The B.1.1.7 variant is contributing to surges of cases in the East Coast and in Europe.

Other emerging variants of concern include B1.351 (more common in South Africa) and P.1 (more common in Brazil). No cases infected with these variants have been detected yet in Marin County.

The county is actively working with six state labs to ensure a fraction of COVID-19 samples are genetically sequenced and combined with data from across the region to track the potential spread of coronavirus variants.

Regionally, the proportion of cases that are linked to the more transmissible variants is climbing and signals a concerning trend.

“This variant has been detected across California. Though it’s no surprise, the presence of this variant in Marin is not something to ignore.” Willis said in a statement.

“It’s a reminder as we reopen that we’re not out of the woods, by any means. We need to stick with the tried and true prevention measures while we work to increase vaccination rates.”

As of April 1, there have been 9,359 cases of the two most common strains originally detected in California (B.1.427 and B.1.429), 851 cases of the U.K. strain, 35 cases of the Brazilian strain and 10 cases of the South African strain detected through genomic sequencing.

“The good news is the current COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the B.1.1.7 strain,” Willis said.

“As of today 61 percent of Marin County residents over age 15 are vaccinated with at least one dose. Every day we’re better protected as a community. This finding increases the importance of obtaining a vaccine when you’re eligible."

But Marin County continues to face limited vaccine supply.

Last week, vaccine eligibility expanded to those age 50 and over – and on April 15 it will expand to those age 16 and over.

More doses are needed to vaccinate all of those who are eligible, and health officials indicate it may be 3-4 weeks before a newly eligible vaccine seeker can obtain an appointment.

Marin Public Health officials are urging the public to continue prevention measures that have already proven highly protective against COVID-19 such as mask-wearing, social distancing, keep activities outdoors and to “get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”

Non-essential travel is discouraged, and if anyone is traveling, they are urged to quarantine upon return if they are not vaccinated.

For the latest updates on eligibility and availability of appointments in Marin County visit here.