Photo courtesy to MCHD Facebook IDPH regularly pulls random samples for sequencing that help detect new variants and better understand these variants at a statewide level, and even across the United States. “IDPH and private labs pull random sample,” said Marianne Manko, MCHD Public Affairs Coordinator. “That just gives you an idea of where the variants are. We (the health department) just need to know how the virus is mutating. That helps us understand what is happening with the virus. This happens with all viruses. All viruses intend to not only multiply and survive but to get stronger. They need a human host.”