Update: Infectious coronavirus variant found in South Africa reaches Stanislaus County
The first two cases of a coronavirus variant first discovered in South Africa have been found in Stanislaus County, health officials reported Thursday.
The SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.351 is more infectious and comes with a 50 percent higher transmission rate than others. The cases are not believed to be travel related.
“The detection of the B.1.351 variant in Stanislaus County is concerning, and it is another reminder that we must continue to follow all guidance to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Julie Vaishampayan, Stanislaus County Public Health Officer. “Many people remain to be vaccinated in our community, and we must continue to stop the spread, using the tools that have proven to work throughout this pandemic.
“It is vital for everyone, including those who have been vaccinated, to continue to follow recommendations that prevent the spread of disease, which include testing, masking, distancing, and getting the vaccine.”
State and county health officials are monitoring variant strains of coronavirus as California shoots for a full reopening of its economy June 15. Health officials stress that safety measures are still important in Stanislaus County as restrictions are lifted on private receptions and live events as early as next week.
Kamlesh Kaur, a county spokesperson, said the South Africa variant cases were detected through random sampling by an outside lab that does genomic sequencing on specimens. The lab reported the results to the state, and the state informed the county.
Kaur said the South Africa strain is one of the “variants of concern” identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The B.1.351 strain was first detected in South Africa in December 2020 and turned up in the United States in January.
Health agencies track the variants of concern because of evidence they spread more easily, potentially leading to more hospitalization of people with COVID-19 disease and more deaths.
Two other coronavirus strains watched by health agencies are the P.1 variant from Brazil and the “U.K.” strain identified in widespread outbreaks in England.
Health officials informed the public March 18 that the highly contagious “UK” variant had been detected in Stanislaus County. The U.K. strain, or B.1.1.7, has turned up in samples from different parts of the county, suggesting it has potential for spreading through the community and possibly sparking a new surge of COVID-19 cases.
The vaccines administered by county clinics, health care providers and pharmacies are considered to be effective against the coronavirus variants; indeed, health officials see widespread vaccinations as an important tool for keeping the strains in check.
More activities are resuming
Stanislaus County was reassigned to the red tier of the state’s coronavirus restrictions two weeks ago, allowing indoor restaurant dining and relaxing restrictions on fitness centers, movie theaters, retail stores and other activities.
With new COVID cases and hospitalizations at low levels, and vaccinations on the upswing, the state is reopening additional activities next week and moving toward a full reopening in mid-June.
The appearance of more contagious coronavirus strains could challenge public health agencies in keeping cases under control while preparing for a safe reopening.
Starting April 15, outdoor gatherings with 25 people or less will be allowed in red tier counties like Stanislaus and indoor gatherings will be permitted within certain limits. Private receptions or conferences can be held outdoors for up to 50 people, or four times that number if the guests are tested or show they are fully vaccinated.
Indoor live events and performances will be allowed for up to 100 people or can increase to 375 if audience members show they are tested or fully vaccinated, according to the state guidelines.
Kaur said a business branch of the county’s emergency operations center is working with venues and facilities that have questions about the new guidelines for events.
“We are providing assistance so the venues can be prepared when they are ready for hosting an event,” Kaur said. “We are reminding community members to keep following the (public health) guidance as there are a lot of things opening up.”
This story was originally published April 8, 2021 at 7:24 AM.
