After a spike in cases among students in East Lansing, MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr. urged students, faculty and staff to sign up for a COVID-19 early detection program called Spartan Spit. Elements of the Spartan Spit kit photographed above on Sept. 14, 2020.
—Eaton County, which is adjacent to the west of Ingham County, confirmed their first case of the B.1.1.7. variant of COVID-19 on Feb. 8, the first incidence in the Greater Lansing area.
In a press release, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) said that further details regarding this individual are currently unknown and an investigation is ongoing.
Amanda Darche, Ingham County health communication specialist, has confirmed that there have been no incidents of B.1.1.7. found in Ingham County, as of 1 p.m. on Feb. 8.
BEDHD reminded individuals to continue to take precautions against COVID-19, especially as new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 to become more prevalent.
Their suggestions are as follows:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), early findings show that the B.1.1.7. variant might be associated with an increased risk of death, and it may be more easily spread than other variants. At this time, there is no evidence that vaccines are less effective against B.1.1.7.
The first case of the B.1.1.7. variant in Michigan was identified in Washtenaw County in January. Since then, several other cases have been identified.
BEDHD continues to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals who work or live in Eaton or Barry counties. A low vaccine supply has hindered distribution.
B.1.1.7. is approximately 50% more transmissible, according to the CDC. East Lansing remains a high risk area for COVID-19 in Ingham County.
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