B.1.1.7

Novavax said that its COVID vaccine is 90% effective overall and 100% effective at preventing moderate and severe disease.

“If you’re young and haven’t gotten your shot yet, it really is time,” President Joe Biden said.

“If you’re young and haven’t gotten your shot yet, it really is time,” President Joe Biden said.

“If you’re young and haven’t gotten your shot yet, it really is time,” President Joe Biden said.

“If you’re young and haven’t gotten your shot yet, it really is time,” President Joe Biden said.

Scientist detected 32 virus mutations in the woman's body, including some seen in variants of concern. It's unclear if she passed on any of them.

“Hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives that didn’t need to.”

The World Health Organization has unveiled a new naming system for coronavirus variants that uses Greek letters instead of geographical locations.

The World Health Organization has unveiled a new naming system for coronavirus variants that uses Greek letters instead of geographical locations.

The variant first detected in the UK becomes Alpha, with South Africa, Brazil and India also renamed.

The B.1.617 strain, discovered in India, was reclassified as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization, up from its "variant of interest" label.

The rise in Covid cases is expected as states relax pandemic prevention strategies for businesses, large-scale gatherings and schools and the B.1.1.7 variant, first identified in the U.K., spreads more rapidly throughout the country, the CDC said in the report. The agency projected the trajectory of the pandemic based on four different scenarios of vaccination rates and state reopenings. While Covid cases are expected to increase this month, hospitalizations and deaths will likely remain low nationally, the U.S. agency said, with cases expected to plummet by July as more Americans get vaccinated against the virus. President Joe Biden has said he hopes to see enough Americans vaccinated by Independence Day to safely hold small outdoor gatherings. The CDC used data from the COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub, which developed six models to assess the potential course of Covid-19 in the U.S. across four scenarios.

WHO says it is closely following 10 Covid variants around the world.

That’s according to data from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA). The data shows that the number of children hospitalized with severe COVID-19 symptoms hit a high of 70 this week.

Each time the virus transmits is another opportunity for a mutation to occur, potentially creating a new — and possibly more problematic — strain of the virus.

In-person classes for undergraduates will be reinstated Thursday but students are banned from unmasked gatherings until April 26.

The variant, known as B.1.1.7, is "now the most common lineage circulating in the United States." CDC Director Dr. Rachelle Walensky said.

SAGINAW, MI — Saginaw County health officials have been steadily working to vaccinate residents, administering more than 90,000 doses so far and putting the county slightly ahead of the state’s vaccination trends. A total of 90,272 COVID-19 vaccine doses had been administered in Saginaw County as of Friday, April 2, according to the state. The state is also reporting 56,547 residents had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as of April 2 in Saginaw County. Saginaw County vaccine providers delivered 9,355 doses last week alone, 2,802 of which were administered by the health department team. Health department officials noted that minors younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to their vaccination appointments.

The highly contagious coronavirus variant first identified in the U.K. is starting to become the predominant strain in many regions of the U.S., the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday. It is the predominant strain in at least five regions, she added. The U.K. identified B.1.1.7, which appears to be more deadly and spread more easily than other strains, last fall. Florida has the most confirmed cases of the new variant, according to a map of the CDC data, followed closely by Michigan, Wisconsin and California. Walensky said Wednesday she expects to see more infections in the U.S. due to the transmissibility of the B.1.1.7 variant.

Each of the three variants scientists looked at included mutations in the so-called spike protein the virus uses to enter human cells. New variants have been a concern for health officials, as studies have shown variants have the ability to reduce the effectiveness of current vaccines. Scientists say that strong responses from both antibodies and T cells are likely required to mount an effective immune response against the virus. Further studies examining immune responses are still needed, the researchers emphasized, including whether a booster shot would be effective against emerging variants. The researchers also noted the study had limitations, including the relatively small size of the population examined and that all participants were from North America.

BAY CITY, MI - A variant of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in Bay County. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Bay County Health Department that the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories identified the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in a Bay County resident as of Friday, March 26, according to a press release from Bay County. The B.1.1.7 variant is thought to have emerged in the United Kingdom and has since been detected in many countries and states, said the health department. All Bay County residents, aged 16 and older are encouraged to register and will be sent appointment invitations for other BCHD sponsored clinics in the future. Bay County residents can register online for the COVID-19 vaccine here and find more information at www.baycounty-mi.gov/healthMore from MLiveBay County sees an increase in COVID-19 cases among young adultsCOVID-19 pandemic hit seniors hard.

ADRIAN, MI – The COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been detected in a Lenawee County resident, health officials announced on Wednesday. This is the first case in the county, Lenawee County Health Department officials said. Therefore, additional levels of public health intervention are required once the variant has been identified, health officials said. MDHHS is conducting whole genome sequencing to quickly identify COVID-19 variants, including B.1.1.7., health officials said. READ MORE FROM MLIVE:Whitmer defends easing Michigan COVID-19 restrictions after Fauci criticismTuesday, March 23, coronavirus data by Michigan county: As numbers escalate, is this a repeat of fall 2020?

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, MI – A COVID-19 variant was found in St. Joseph County. Two people have the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 and are in isolation, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency said in a Monday, March 22 news release. The United Kingdom identified the B.1.1.7 variant with a large number of mutations in the fall of 2020. Related: COVID-19 variant found in 2 more young people in Ottawa CountyCurrent tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency release said. Michigan reported 616 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant as of March 12, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SHIAWASSEE COUNTY, MI --The first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 has been identified in a Shiawassee County resident. “A new variant in Shiawassee County is concerning since it can be related to higher transmission rates.,” the county said in its release. Shiawassee County said the B.1.1.7 variant is approximately 50 percent more transmissible, leading to faster spread of the virus and potentially increasing numbers of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. More information on coronavirus in Shiawassee County is available at http://health.shiawassee.net or www.michigan.gov/coronavirus. Read more on MLive:Michigan adults with underlying health conditions now eligible for COVID-19 vaccineKroger stores to help Genesee County knock down waiting list for COVID-19 vaccinationsFirst case of COVID-19 U.K. variant identified in Genesee County

ALLEGAN, MI — The COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7, has been identified in Allegan County, according to health officials. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) notified the Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) that the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories identified the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in an Allegan County resident. “When a variant is identified or suspected, additional measures take place, such as a strict 14-day quarantine,” Allegan County Medical Director Richard Tooker said in the news release. COVID-19 testing (not antibody test) is available to individuals of any age, regardless of symptoms. There is a testing event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, March 20, at the Allegan County Transportation Building at 750 Airway Drive in Allegan.

The highly contagious variant first identified in the U.K. likely accounts for up to 30% of Covid-19 infections in the United States, White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Friday. The U.K. first identified the B.1.1.7 strain, which appears to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, last fall. U.S. health officials say the variant could become the dominant strain in the U.S. by the end of this month or in early April. New variants are especially a concern for public health officials as they could become more resistant to antibody treatments and vaccines. Public health officials and Americans can counter the variant by doing two things, Fauci said.

They compared death rates among people infected with B.1.1.7, the variant first found in the U.K., and those infected with other previously circulating strains. "In the community, death from COVID-19 is still a rare event, but the B.1.1.7 variant raises the risk. The U.K. identified B.1.1.7, which appears to spread more easily and quickly than other strains, in fall 2020. U.S. health officials say they are working to identify more cases. New variants are especially a concern for public health officials as they could become more resistant to antibody treatments and vaccines.

Two studies published this week in the journal Science explore some of the circumstances that are known to give rise to new genetic variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The prospect of new viral variants, and of the conditions that foster their emergence, has been her central message to the public. It’s a race between vaccines and variants, and a rapid vaccine rollout is the nation’s most potent counter to threats like the U.K. strain. Essentially, people who are only partially vaccinated could fail to clear a coronavirus infection in the same way that immunocompromised patients do. Most ominously, they could undermine efforts to end the pandemic through mass vaccination by encouraging the emergence of viral variants that make vaccines less effective, the researchers wrote.

SAGINAW, MI - A variant of the COVID-19 virus has been identified in Saginaw County. The Saginaw County Health Department announced on Tuesday, March 9 that a 80-year-old woman was identified as having the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 in Saginaw County. The B.1.1.7 variant is also known as the United Kingdom variant of the virus, which was also discovered in Tuscola County in March. The Tuscola County case was associated with the zip code 48723, with no other details being released. More from MLiveCoronavirus vaccination scam calls reported in Bay and Saginaw countiesBay County scores $420K in marijuana sales tax revenueUnited Kingdom variant of COVID-19 found in Tuscola CountyGot the COVID-19 vaccine somewhere else?

University of Michigan asks students to test for COVID-19 before going home for holidaysANN ARBOR – Officials at the University of Michigan have announced a significant decrease in cases of COVID-19 on campus. In the school’s bi-weekly COVID update, officials reported on Tuesday that school-related cases now represent 27% of the total cases in Washtenaw County. Just two weeks ago, U-M cases -- the majority of which were linked to students -- accounted for 62% of the total cases in the county. AdSoon after, the school implemented mandatory weekly testing for graduate and professional students after outbreaks emerged in circles of older students and in off campus houses. Undergraduates on campus have been tested regularly for the virus since the start of the semester.

MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – A variant of the COVID-19 considered to spread more easily has been found in Muskegon County. The individual with the B.1.1.7 variant has completed their isolation and their close contacts also quarantined, according to a press release issued Monday, Feb. 22, from Public Health – Muskegon County. “Because of increased laboratory surveillance to detect the variant, we expected to eventually find a case in Muskegon County,” county public health Director Kathy Moore said in a prepared statement. Related: COVID-19 variant now confirmed in 157 cases in 12 Michigan countiesThe B.1.1.7 variant first discovered in the United Kingdom had been confirmed in 157 cases in 12 Michigan counties, the state reported last week. The new variant is thought to be 50 percent more contagious than the current dominant strain of COVID-19.

Ninety cases of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant have been found during testing of prisoners and staff at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections. Daily testing of all prisoners and staff occurred after an employee at the prison was found to have the variant, a press release said. U.K. COVID-19 variant now confirmed in 45 Michigan cases in 10 countiesThe new variant is thought to be 50% more contagious than the current dominant strain of COVID-19. Because the variant is more easily spread from person to person, that means that for any given case, it will likely infect more people and lead to more spread, state officials have said. However, the variant does not yet appear to be more deadly, and current vaccines appear to be effective in preventing it, state officials say.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky says U.K. virus variant could be "dominant strain" in U.S. by March Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the new director of the CDC, says about 4% of COVID-19 cases are caused by B.1.1.7, the coronavirus variant first detected in the U.K.

The following is a transcript of an interview with CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky that aired February 14, 2021, on "Face the Nation." That said, the amount of disease in school is very much related to the amount of disease that's in the community. But mental health isn't mentioned in those guidelines that you released this week. DR. WALENSKY: We are absolutely worried about all of the collateral damage that we are going to see, not just mental health, of course, mental health, but not just mental health. MARGARET BRENNAN: But on the mental health portion of it, are you going to issue new guidelines on how to deal with that?

ANN ARBOR, MI – University of Michigan officials say off-campus social gatherings are responsible for an increase in COVID-19 cases this week. For the week of Feb. 7, UM is reporting 120 positive COVID-19 cases. Stay-in-place recommendation expires for University of Michigan, but health officials still urge cautionUM officials have noted a downward trend in regard to new positive cases since, but numbers still remain elevated. As of Feb. 9, student cases now represent 48% of the cases in Washtenaw County, according to the dashboard. University of Michigan graduate, professional students to get weekly COVID-19 testingSince Jan. 1, UM has had 1,193 positive COVID-19 cases out of 81,941 tests administered.

University of Michigan asked students to test for COVID-19 before going home for the holidays. ANN ARBOR – In its bi-weekly COVID update on Tuesday, University of Michigan officials announced that COVID cases within the school community now represent 48% of the total cases in Washtenaw County. On Feb. 2, U-M cases accounted for 34% of all COVID cases in Washtenaw County. While COVID cases in the school community are trending downward, they are still elevated, according the announcement. As of the week beginning Feb. 7, U-M reported a total of 54 positive COVID cases as opposed to the week prior, when 282 positive cases were confirmed.

Michigan has now confirmed 45 cases of the COVID-19 variant known as B.1.1.7 in 10 counties and the city of Detroit, state officials said Tuesday. “The cases we are seeing Michigan have not all been associated with someone who has a history of traveling, which means it’s likely the variant is in the general community,” Khaldun said Tuesday. The new variant is thought to be 50% more contagious than the current dominant strain of COVID-19. Because the variant is more easily spread from person to person, that means that for any given case, it will likely infect more people and lead to more spread, Khaldun has said. Moreover, Khaldun has said, is that the variant does not yet appear to be more deadly, and current vaccines appear to be effective in preventing it.

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI — The first individual in Van Buren County with the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 was identified late Sunday night, according to the county’s health department. At this time, further details about this individual are unknown and an investigation is ongoing, the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department said in a news release. Related: What Michiganders should know about new coronavirus variant B.1.1.7Earlier Monday, Kalamazoo County announced that it had identified three new cases of the B.1.1.7 variant, bringing the Kalamazoo County total to four. Van Buren County has had 4,571 positive cases of the coronavirus and 83 confirmed deaths, according to the most recent data provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Monday, Feb. 8. Also on MLive:Monday, Feb. 8, coronavirus data by Michigan county: Macomb and Kalamazoo now below 5% positivity rateKalamazoo City Commissioner Erin Knott part of statewide COVID-19 vaccine education effort3 more COVID-19 variant cases found in Kalamazoo County with no known links to earlier caseCOVID-19 variant identified in Eaton County

ANN ARBOR, MI - Although the University of Michigan’s stay-in-place recommendation from the Washtenaw County Health Department has expired, officials are still urging caution as they continue to monitor spread of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant. Testing for graduate and professional students will begin on Feb. 16, UM President Mark Schlissel wrote in a message to the campus community. In the message, Schlissel acknowledged the growing spread of COVID-19 within the campus community, which includes 23 cases of the more contagious B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant. “This helps the university identify COVID-19 in the community and reduce potential further spread by moving infected individuals into isolation quickly,” Broekhuizen said. READ MORE:COVID-19 variant identified in Eaton CountyUniversity of Michigan students told to stay home as virus variant cases climbFrom student mental health to teacher vaccinations: Education stories from around the state

have been identified in Kalamazoo County, according to a news release from the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department. The three new cases are not linked to the first case in Kalamazoo County diagnosed with the COVID-19 variant, the health department said on Feb. 8. “The three new cases identified of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7. Kalamazoo County health officials also encourage people to get tested frequently to slow the spread of any variant of the virus. Read more:First West Michigan case of COVID-19 variant reported in Kalamazoo CountyCOVID-19 variant identified in Eaton County

EATON COUNTY, MI – A more contagious variant of COVID-19, known as B.1.1.7 has been identified in Eaton County. The first case of B.1.1.7 was found in Washtenaw County in mid-January in a woman who had traveled to the United Kingdom. At least 23 people in Washtenaw County have now been confirmed to have the variant. Distribution of the vaccine in Eaton County is continuing for people who are eligible. The B.1.1.7 variant has been found in 33 states as of Feb. 7, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(NIAID-RML via AP)GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus has been reported in a third Michigan county for the first time. Health officials say a confirmed case of a highly contagious COVID-19 variant, known as B117, was reported in Kent County on Sunday, Feb. 7. Michigan’s first known case of the virus variant was identified on Jan. 16 in a Washtenaw County woman who had just recently traveled to the U.K. Washtenaw County officials say that all known B117 variant cases within that county are tied to the University of Michigan community. Related: University of Michigan identifies virus outbreaks at off-campus housesAdThree COVID-19 variants, including the B117 variant, have been identified in the U.S. so far.

While abroad, he came in contact with someone who was sick, according to the release. Upon return, he quarantined from others and was tested. Though testing positive for the strain, known as B.1.1.7, the man has not experienced symptoms yet, according to Lake County health officials. Lake County health officials declined to say where he lives, other than to say he is a resident of Lake County.

While the person was abroad, they came in contact with someone who was sick, according to the release. Upon return, the local individual quarantined from others and was tested. Though testing positive for the strain, known as B.1.1.7, the person has not experienced symptoms yet, according to Lake County health officials. It was not immediately clear where the person tested resides or whether the person is a Lake County resident.

ANN ARBOR – The Washtenaw County Health Department announced on Friday that a total of 23 cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 have been identified to date in Washtenaw County, and all of the cases share a common link: they are associated with the University of Michigan community. AdUniversity officials announced this week that U-M cases currently account for one-third of all coronavirus cases in Washtenaw County. Since the variant was identified in the area, the Health Department and local partners have been testing residents at no cost. “We remain concerned about the identification of the B.1.1.7 variant locally,” Juan Luis Marquez, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department said in a statement. AdThe Washtenaw County Health Department recommends that all residents practice the following strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19 and the B.1.1.7 variant:

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — Additional cases of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant within the University of Michigan community, Washtenaw County Health Department officials said. The variant strain, first found in a Washtenaw County woman who had traveled to the United Kingdom, where the virus originated, has now been identified in 21 people within the UM community, Washtenaw County Health Department Spokeswoman Susan Ringler-Cerniglia said. Wearing masks, avoiding crowds and maintaining social distancing must be used to prevent the spread of the variant, officials said. The Washtenaw County Health Department, MDHHS and the University of Michigan are working closely to implement additional containment strategies to slow the spread of the variant, officials said. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:What Michiganders should know about new coronavirus variant B.1.1.7Three more COVID-19 variant cases identified in Michigan, health leaders urge testingWashtenaw County Health Department offering no-cost COVID-19 testing at Pioneer High School Sunday

(AP Photo/David J. Phillip)ANN ARBOR – No cost COVID testing will return to Pioneer High School on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. According to the Washtenaw County Health Department, the free pop-up site in the school’s parking lot will be offering weekly testing. All positive tests will be sequenced for the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant, which is known to be present in Washtenaw County. The event is supported by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Washtenaw County Health Department, HONU Management Group and Ann Arbor Public Schools. For more information about free testing events in Washtenaw County, click here.

University officials have confirmed that some outbreaks of the virus on campus include the new, highly contagious COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant. Testing offered to the local community is limited to those living within three blocks from campus. If you do not live right next to campus but would like to be tested, visit Washtenaw County’s COVID testing website to find a free clinic near you. AdAdditionally, free testing is now offered weekly at Pioneer High School. The university-run saliva-based testing will be offered to U-M students, faculty, staff and Ann Arbor residents living geographically close to the university on the following days and times:Information on U-M's community testing program from Feb. 3-28, 2021.

ANN ARBOR, MI — Five off-campus residences near the University of Michigan are experiencing outbreaks of COVID-19, according to the university’s COVID-19 dashboard. Officials from the university and the Washtenaw County Health Department said they don’t have any information indicating these outbreaks are related to the B.1.1.7 variant. For the week of Jan. 24, UM is reporting 149 positive COVID-19 cases, most of which were confirmed by university testing. Since Jan. 1, the university has had 601 positive COVID-19 cases and administered 39,947 COVID-19 tests, dashboard data shows. READ MORE:What you should know about the University of Michigan’s latest stay-in-place recommendation‘It was bound to happen at some point:’ University of Michigan students react to COVID variantContagious coronavirus variant identified in Michigan

ANN ARBOR – A coalition of student athletes at the University of Michigan are calling for the 14 day shutdown of athletics to be lifted. Now, student athletes are speaking out and have launched a petition to MDHHS to resume practices and competitions. We trust the guidance and leadership of those in charge of the health and safety of Michigan student-athletes. Given the University’s knowledge of the situation surrounding the athletic department, should a total shutdown have been necessary, it should have come from the University of Michigan leaders. The student-athletes at the University of Michigan stand united in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping every member of our community safe.

DETROIT – Wayne County health officials are investigating four confirmed cases of the COVID variant, as well as four potential cases. Officials said the four people suspected of being infected with the new B.1.1.7 variant have tested positive for COVID-19 and being retested for the variant. Officials said those four people were in close contact with the four individuals who are already confirmed to be infected with the variant. The four confirmed cases are from two 35-year-olds, a 41-year-old and a 42-year-old. “As we administer our vaccine, it is important for people to mask up, wash their hands frequently, and avoid large groups,” said Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, chief health strategist for Wayne County.

Michigan has now confirmed 17 cases of the COVID-19 variant known as B.1.1.7 in both Washtenaw and Wayne counties, state officials said Monday. “There are now at least 13 variant cases that are confirmed in Washtenaw County, and now we know of at least four in Wayne County,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical officer, said at a press briefing. The spread of the new variant, which is thought to be 50% more contagious than the current dominant strain of COVID-19, is “very concerning,” Khaldun said. Strategies to combat the variant include testing to quickly identify outbreaks, with the goal of isolating those who are infectious and quarantining those potentially exposed, she said,. Since then, at least eight of the identified cases have been associated with University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus, and the cluster has led to a two-week shutdown of U-M sports.

ANN ARBOR, MI — The more contagious variant of COVID-19, known as B.1.1.7, was recently identified in a cluster of University of Michigan students. The variant strain was identified as a result of regular university testing followed by additional testing in UM labs, the school said. The announcement of the additional variant cases comes two days after Michigan athletics shut down for 2 weeks as a response to a recent COVID-19 outbreak. The first Michigan case of the COVID-19 variant was identified in a Washtenaw County woman on Jan. 16 after she returned from the UK, where the virus variant originated. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Contagious coronavirus variant identified in MichiganThree more COVID-19 variant cases identified in Michigan, health leaders urge testing2 more cases of COVID-19 variant tied to Washtenaw County womanWhat Michiganders should know about new coronavirus variant B.1.1.7

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is emphasizing the importance of COVID-19 testing after an outbreak on the University of Michigan campus. READ: Michigan Athletics put on pause -- Athletes, coaches, team-staff asked to quarantineFive cases of the highly-contagious variant B.1.1.7 are linked to the university’s athletics department. Some students at the University aren’t too thrilled at the fact that sports have been suspended due to the new variant of coronavirus. Washtenaw County Health Department Medical Director Juan Luis Marquez said the suspension is necessary to make sure no one else is being placed at risk since the new variant is easier to spread from person-to-person. “Hopefully we just stay safe and kids get vaccinated and then later in February, we’ll be able to resume as normal.”Related: Michigan health officials concerned over COVID variantsResidents can find COVID-19 test sites in their communities on Michigan’s official website..

Because of this, the Washtenaw County Health Department recommends people who were at the same public spaces at the same time as people with confirmed cases should get tested immediately.Those include:• Sunday, Jan. 17 at the Meijer on Ann Arbor Saline Rd., Ann Arbor from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.• Sunday, Jan. 17 Briarwood Mall, 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m."Everyone should do their part to end this pandemic. Get tested if you have been exposed, have symptoms, or have recently traveled to an area with a new variant spreading," said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. "Make sure you are following all quarantine and isolation guidance. And do your part to prevent the spread of this virus by continuing to wear your mask, avoid gatherings, socially distance, and washing your hands. "Residents can find COVID-19 test sites at Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest The mutation was first detected in Michigan in a woman linked to the U-M who had recently traveled to the United Kingdom

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – All athletic programs at the University of Michigan will be put on a 14-day pause starting Sunday, a school official confirmed Saturday night. Read: New COVID strain prompts 2-week pause of Michigan Athletics activitiesThe decision was made by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Team members -- student athletes, coaches and team staff -- are asked to immediately isolate or quarantine until further notice. MDHHS sent University of Michigan officials a memo explaining our recommendations, but has not issued any orders for the university to take any actions. Due to possible exposure to the virus in the community, MDHHS has also recommended increased testing in Washtenaw County to the Washtenaw County Health Department.

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN -- State health leaders have identified three more cases of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in Southeast Michigan and are urging testing for anyone with coronavirus symptoms. The new cases involve a man in Wayne County and two women associated with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. As of Saturday, Jan. 23, there have been six variant cases identified. “The new variant is present in Michigan and we are at risk of seeing more spread of COVID-19. More from MLiveWhat Michiganders should know about new coronavirus variant B.1.1.72 more cases of COVID-19 variant tied to Washtenaw County woman

Jan. 23, 2021: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 548,069; Death toll now at 14,291Health officials identified a confirmed variant case in a Wayne County man Saturday. All Michigan Athletic team members -- student athletes, coaches and team staff -- have been asked to immediately isolate or quarantine until further notice. MORE: Tracking COVID-19 weekly growth factor by Michigan county“The new variant is present in Michigan and we are at risk of seeing more spread of COVID-19. It is possible that there are more B.1.1.7 cases in Michigan that have not been identified. Related: UK chief scientist says new virus variant may be more deadly

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Washtenaw County Health Department announced Saturday that it is aware of a possible public exposure to the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7. “The possibility of additional spread of the variant is a concern,” said Juan Luis Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department. “At this point and with the guidance of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, we are encouraging extra precautions. The Washtenaw County Health Department, MDHHS and the University of Michigan are working closely to implement additional containment strategies to slow the spread of the variant, the release states. READ MORE:What Michiganders should know about new coronavirus variant B.1.1.7Washtenaw County Health Department offering no-cost COVID-19 testing at Pioneer High School SundayLarge COVID-19 vaccine clinic at DeVos Place designed to boost ‘shots in arms’

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Washtenaw County Health Department is offering no-cost COVID-19 testing for community members on Sunday, Jan. 24, at Pioneer High School. Pre-registration for testing is available but not required. No vaccination will be available at the event – only saliva or nasal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. The event will be drive-thru from noon to 5 p.m. at the high school, located at 601 W. Stadium Blvd. The health department received support from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, HONU Management Group, and Ann Arbor Public Schools for this event.

ANN ARBOR – As of Jan. 22, 2021, Michigan has three confirmed cases of B.1.1.7 -- the new more contagious strain of coronavirus. The three women are connected to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Scientists are also concerned about new variants detected in South Africa and Brazil, which have not been found in the United States yet. Dr. Anthony Fauci stressed the new variants highlight the need to get people vaccinated quickly. RELATED: Michigan health director Robert Gordon announces resignationRobert Gordon, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, abruptly resigned on Friday.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — Health officials have identified additional cases of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant in two women living in Washtenaw County. The two new cases are in women who were close contacts of a Washtenaw County woman who tested positive for the variant after traveling to the United Kingdom, where B.1.1.7 originated, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Washtenaw County Health Department officials said. The B.1.1.7 variant appears to be more contagious but not necessarily more serious than the primary strain of COVID-19, health officials said. More information about the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant can be found on the state’s website. READ MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS:Contagious coronavirus variant identified in Michigan7 COVID-19 cases tied to Washtenaw County woman who has UK variantFor Michiganders newly eligible for vaccine, excitement is high but details are few

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Washtenaw County Health Department announced on Thursday that two new cases of the COVID variant have been identified. Officials said the cases were identified in two women living in the county and were in close contact with the first person in the state to be diagnosed with the variant, known as B.1.1.7. Officials said that person tested positive after traveling to the United Kingdom where the variant originated. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant, B.1.1.7. it is possible that there are more B.1.1.7 cases in Michigan that have not been identified.”“We are watching this situation as closely as possible,” says Dr. Juan Luis Marquez, medical director with Washtenaw County Health Department.

DETROIT – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported Michigan’s first case of the more easily spread U.K. coronavirus variant. and was identified in a Washtenaw County woman who had recently traveled to the U.K. That’s where the variant originated. READ: First case of COVID variant detected in Michigan: What to knowThe B.1.1.7 variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 has quickly become dominant in the U.K. That’s because it appears to be at least 50 percent more transmissible. The reason it’s more easily spread is that several of the mutations in the variant allow the spike protein, which the virus uses to attach to human cells, to bind more tightly. variant does spread more easily.

A woman in Washtenaw county, who recently traveled to the U.K., has been diagnosed with the highly contagious coronavirus variantLANSING – The first Michigan case of new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7. Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant. However, a higher rate of transmission could increase the number of people who need to be hospitalized or who lose their lives to COVID-19 should the new variant begin circulating widely in Michigan. “The discovery of this variant in Michigan is concerning, but not unexpected,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic as quickly as possible.

A woman in Washtenaw county, who recently traveled to the U.K., has been diagnosed with the highly contagious coronavirus variantLANSING — The first case of new a highly contagious COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7. The woman recently traveled to the U.K., where this variant originated, according to the MDHHS. Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant. However, a higher rate of transmission could increase the number of people who need to be hospitalized or who lose their lives to COVID-19 should the new variant begin circulating widely in Michigan. “The discovery of this variant in Michigan is concerning, but not unexpected,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at the MDHHS.