The third COVID-19 variant found
A third COVID-19 variant of concern as been detected in Yolo County by Healthy Davis Together.
The first-known case of the P.1 variant — which was first detected in Brazilian travelers in Japan — was discovered in a Davis resident who had not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine, according to a statement from Healthy Davis Together released Thursday. The person is currently in isolation, and contract tracing efforts are underway.
There are currently 41 known cases of the P.1 variant throughout California.
The detection of the P.1 variant comes just nine days after the detection of South African variant, B.1.351, and two months after the UK variant, B.1.1.7. The UK variant is becoming the dominant strain locally, as found by Healthy Davis Together. A statement from Yolo County Public Information Officer Jenny Tan noted that twothirds of positive cases analyzed by the UC Davis Genome Center were found to be caused by the UK variant.
All three variants are believed to be more transmissible than previous COVID-19 strains, may cause more severe disease and may be treatment resistant.
“The detection of another highly transmissible variant is concerning, especially as things begin to open up again and more people are out and about,” stated Dr. Aimee Sisson, Yolo County public health officer. “It’s as important as ever to adhere to public health measures, including masking, physical distancing and regular testing, to keep the transmission of the virus as low as possible while we accelerate our vaccination efforts.”
A statement from Tan stressed the importance of getting tested in order to prevent the spread
of variants since many people who are infected with COVID-19 do not show any symptoms. She also highlighted the importance of remaining vigilant, even as restrictions loosen.
“Businesses and organizations that plan to host indoor private events or indoor live events and performances, including concerts, sports competitions, wedding receptions, or proms, need to be particularly cautious in light of spreading virus variants,” Tan stated. “Organizers of these events are encouraged to require all attendees of such events to show proof of full vaccination or a recent negative test. Rapid antigen tests at the door of such events are an option to ensure guests are not infected with coronavirus.”
Despite the fear of all three variants in Yolo County, COVID-19 cases and deaths remain low. The county reported just 15 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday and zero new deaths. A death has not been reported in over a week. Since the pandemic began last year, the county has seen 13,431 positive cases and 199 deaths.
Woodland reported two additional cases Wednesday, bringing the total up to 5,612. In total, 103 Woodland residents have died of the coronavirus.
The county is not completely free from another spike, however, until herd immunity is reached, according to Sisson.
“Total new cases of COVID-19 in Yolo County are holding steady, but this is falsely reassuring,” she stated. “The steady total masks a concerning increase in cases caused by more infectious variants. These same variants have caused tremendous surges in other counties and other states. To avoid a surge that could overwhelm the health care system and cause more COVID deaths, we need to be extra careful right now. Getting vaccinated and getting tested regularly until you are vaccinated are the best defenses, along with wearing masks, staying 6 feet away from people you don’t live with, and choosing an outdoor activity whenever possible.”
Vaccinations, although hampered by the recent recommended pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by the CDC and FDA, are still ongoing. The county opened up vaccinations to all residents 16-plus Tuesday.
State dashboards show a total of 146,107 doses distributed in Yolo County as of Thursday.
To receive a COVID-19 vaccine, residents must signup through the state’s MyTurn system by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or calling 833-422-4255. Yolo County who are homebound may request a vaccine by calling Yolo 211.