Virus variant from U.K. detected
One case of the B117 strain of coronavirus has been confirmed in Butte County, marking the first known case of the more contagious strain in the county that originated in the United Kingdom.
The individual who tested positive is an adult, Butte County Public Health said Monday. Case investigation and contact tracing staff in the county have responded to the case, prior to variant testing.
The strain was first identified in the U.K. in fall 2020 and has since spread to more than 200 countries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 3,037 cases of the variant have been reported in the U.S. as of Sunday, March 7. California has seen 262 cases of the variant, which ranks third highest among all states, trailing only Florida (642) and Michigan (437).
The variant is considered more contagious because it spreads more easily and quickly compared to other variants. Butte County Public Health noted “currently there is no indication that the vaccines or monoclonal antibody treatments are less effective on the B117 variant, however, there is evidence that (this) variant may be more severe.”
The CDC’s website cites a Jan. 2021 report from experts in the U.K. that indicates the B117 variant “may be associated with an increased risk of death compared to other variant viruses, but more studies are needed to confirm this finding.”
Butte County Public Health reminded residents to take precautions “now more than ever” to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its more contagious variants, including the following:
• Wearing a mask/face covering, making sure it fits properly
• Keeping physical distance, at least six feet apart and more if possible
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Getting tested for COVID-19, even if you are asymptomatic
• Avoiding crowds and indoor gatherings
• Staying home if you feel sick
• Getting vaccinated when it is available to you
“Detection of a variant that spreads more easily is a reminder that even though case rates are declining in Butte County, we must maintain our vigilance and continue using protective measures against coronavirus until most of the population has immunity. We cannot let down our guard,” said Dr. Robert Bernstein, Butte County Public Health Officer, in a statement.
A total of 31 new confirmed cases and three new probable cases were added to Butte County Public Health’s COVID-19 dashboard on Monday since its last update on Friday, March 5. Eighteen county residents are hospitalized and the number of county residents who died due to complications from the virus stands at 169.
Expanded vaccine eligibility
On the COVID-19 vaccine front, Butte County Public Health updated vaccine eligibility on Monday to include county residents ages 16- 64 with severe health conditions — as defined by the California Department of Public Health — as well as those working in public transportation, public works and public utilities.
The change goes into effect immediately for first dose clinics, including the remaining dates scheduled for the current week.
For the latest group of residents to be declared eligible, Butte County Public Health said they must be willing to self-certify or attest at the community vaccination clinics that they qualify for one or more severe health conditions as defined by state health department, which can be found at tinyurl.com/4uwd5tva. Examples include, but are not limited to, cancer, chronic kidney and pulmonary diseases, heart conditions, severe obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Public transportation eligibility will begin with taxi drivers, tow truck drivers and B-Line bus drivers employed by the Butte County Association of Governments. Butte County Public Health said eligibility does not currently include private transportation like Uber and Lyft.
Eligibility for public utilities and public works encompasses all staff currently employed by a staff employed by a public works or public utility agency.
As of Monday afternoon, a limited number of appointment slots were available at both Meriam Park in Chico and Oroville Sports Club first dose clinics this week.
At Meriam Park, located at 2454 Builders Place, appointments are available on March 10-11 for residents 65 and older, all approved sectors in Phase 1A and Phase 1B, residents with at-risk health conditions, in addition to public works, public utilities and public transportation workers.
An appointment can be made online at www. signupgenius.com/go/4090A4FADAE2DAAF58-1stdose, or by calling the Vaccine Scheduling Hotline at 530- 552- 3020. The latter method should be reserved for residents without internet access. The hotline is operating on Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
At Oroville Sports Club, located at 2600 Oro Dam Blvd., appointments are available on March 11 for residents 65 and older, all approved sectors in Phase 1A and Phase 1B, residents with at-risk health conditions, in addition to public works, public utilities and public transportation workers.
An appointment can be made online at www. s i g n u p g e n i u s . c om / go/4090a4fadae2daaf58oroville3, or by calling Oroville Hospital at 530- 5383379.
A third OptumServe COVID-19 testing site is coming to Butte County at Durham Memorial Hall at 9319 Midway in Durham.
According to Butte County Public Health, the new site is considered a “traveling testing site” and will have limited hours one day per week for members of the public. Appointments are available to be scheduled every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Durham location is the third to open in Butte County, and the second traveling testing site after the county announced last week another location opening on Chico State’s campus at Shurmer Gymnasium. That location is open for appointments on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The county’s primary OptumServe testing site, located at 900 Mangrove Ave. in Chico, is open six days per week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All OptumServe require an appointment to get tested. Appointments can be scheduled online at lhi.care/covidtesting, or by calling 1-888- 634-1123.
Contact reporter Will Denner at 530-896-7774.
New Durham test site