The St. Clair County Health Department says the first case of the COIVD-19 B.1.1.7 variant has been confirmed in a county resident. The variant originated in the United Kingdom and was first detected in Michigan last month. It is believed to be spread more easily and is believed to be more contagious. The St. Clair County case was identified after an initial COIVD-19 diagonals in an individual in their 70s. The St. Clair County Health Department says the individual has no travel history and symptoms are mild. Medical health officer Dr. Annette Mercantile says current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 are believed effective against the new variant.
