The UK variant is thought to spread 50% faster than the original. Author: Pat Dooris Updated: 5:46 AM PST January 19, 2021
PORTLAND, Ore Routine screening of staff at the University of Portland on Jan. 11 turned up Oregon s first known case of the COVID-19 variant first detected in the United Kingdom, according to a spokesman.
The staff member had no symptoms. The person and close contacts are now quarantined.
It’s unclear if the contacts have tested positive.
While it is the first known case in Oregon, it is likely not the only one, said Dr. Jennifer Vines, the Multnomah County health officer.
“The evidence that is emerging is that it spreads very easily from person to person and just given generally how easily COVID-19 spreads, I think we have to assume this is probably not the first case of this particular variant in Oregon, unfortunately,” said Dr. Vines.
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The UK variant is thought to spread 50% faster than the original. Author: Pat Dooris Updated: 6:46 AM MST January 19, 2021
PORTLAND, Ore Routine screening of staff at the University of Portland on Jan. 11 turned up Oregon s first known case of the COVID-19 variant first detected in the United Kingdom, according to a spokesman.
The staff member had no symptoms. The person and close contacts are now quarantined.
It’s unclear if the contacts have tested positive.
While it is the first known case in Oregon, it is likely not the only one, said Dr. Jennifer Vines, the Multnomah County health officer.
“The evidence that is emerging is that it spreads very easily from person to person and just given generally how easily COVID-19 spreads, I think we have to assume this is probably not the first case of this particular variant in Oregon, unfortunately,” said Dr. Vines.