RI Seeing 'More And More' Cases Of U.K. Coronavirus Variant

PROVIDENCE, RI — Even as more Rhode Islanders get the coronavirus vaccine every day, it's important to stay vigilant, the director of the Department of Health said Thursday. The transmissible United Kingdom variant of the virus is becoming more prevalent in the state, making it more important now than ever to wear masks and practice social distancing, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott said.

"We're seeing more and more cases [of the U.K. variant,]" Alexander-Scott said at the state's weekly news conference. "It's important to pay close attention to it."

The state's laboratory is sequencing certain coronavirus samples to help identify variants. Of 85 specimens recently analyzed, Alexander-Scott said, 12 had the U.K. variant.

Although the state's vaccination campaign is speeding up, less than 30 percent of residents have immunity against the virus, either from the vaccine or from having the virus themselves, Alexander-Scott said. For that reason, it's important for residents to wear a high-quality mask that fits snugly over the nose, mouth and chin, wash their hands frequently and maintain distance when around others, she said.

With Easter and other spring holidays quickly approaching, Alexander-Scott encouraged Rhode Islanders to get tested frequently, especially when planning to gather with friends and family.

Read more:

• RI Expects To Open Vaccine Eligibility To All Adults April 19
  
• New State-Managed Coronavirus Test Sites Opening In Rhode Island
• New Appointments Coming For Middletown Coronavirus Vaccine Site
  
• URI Researchers Develop Saliva-Based Coronavirus Test