31 additional cases of B.1.1.7 variant confirmed in Washoe County
March 25, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) is announcing 31 additional cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in Washoe County since the last report on March 17. There are 45 total cases of the variant now confirmed in Washoe County, which originated in the United Kingdom (UK).
The majority of cases with this variant are due to spread occurring through youth sporting events and private gatherings, as well as domestic air travel and travel to neighboring states.
Detection of the B.1.1.7 variant is done by the Nevada State Public Health Lab and can only be sequenced through testing conducted by the Washoe County Health District and Renown Health. To schedule a test, see our website or call 775-328-2427.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has more information on all COVID-19 variants. There are two COVID-19 variants of concern reported in Washoe County. The first was the variant that originated in South Africa, B.1.351.
According to the CDC, this variant that originated in the UK is “associated with increased transmissibility (i.e., more efficient and rapid transmission, including an increased risk of death compared to other variants).”
A reminder that face coverings are still required when out in public – see current mitigation measures from the State of Nevada. Face coverings offer protection when in public and are required even after you receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information about COVID-19 in Washoe County, please see our website.
The Washoe County Health District is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making Washoe County District Board of Health. The District consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.