67 additional cases of B.1.1.7 variant confirmed in Washoe County, 112 total
April 21, 2021. Reno/Sparks, NV – The Washoe County Health District (WCHD) is announcing 67 additional cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in Washoe County since the last report on March 25, moving the total number of B.1.1.7 cases to 112. The B.1.1.7 variant was originally detected in the United Kingdom (UK).
The majority of cases with this variant are due to spread occurring through private gatherings, in the workplace and with youth sporting events.
Detection of the B.1.1.7 variant is done by the Nevada State Public Health Lab. To ensure your results are sequenced for other variants, please schedule a test through the Washoe County Health District – see our website to schedule a test or call 775-328-2427.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has more information on all COVID-19 variants. The first COVID-19 variant reported in Washoe County originated in South Africa, B.1.351. There also have been variants of concern from California, which are the B.1.427 and B.1.429.
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.