On the Site:

CORONAVIRUS

‘UK Variant’ Of COVID-19 Found In Utah, Officials Say

Jan 15, 2021, 11:14 AM | Updated: 8:55 pm

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Department of Health on Friday reported that the “U.K. variant” of COVID-19 has been discovered in Utah.

According to a statement from the health department, the variant was found in a 25-44 year old man from Salt Lake County, and that it was discovered through ongoing sequencing of positive COVID samples from the Utah Public Health Laboratory.

“The property on the virus allows it to enter your body and attach to your cells more readily,” she state epidemiologist Angela Dunn.

The health department reported the patient is not known to have traveled outside of Utah.

“We fully anticipated we would find this strain in Utah. We know this strain is more transmissible than previous COVID-19 variants, and our hospitals continue to operate near or over capacity,” said Dunn.

“Now more than ever, we need to be practicing good public health practices by wearing a face mask, staying home when sick, avoiding large gatherings and physical distancing as much as we can,” said the state epidemiologist.

The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently approved are believed to be effective against the U.K. variant, authorities said.

According to reporting from the Associated Press, the U.K. variant is a more contagious strain, and it has been blamed for a sharp increase in cases and deaths in the United Kingdom.

In South America, yet another strain of the virus has been discovered and is being dubbed the “Brazil variant.”

The global pandemic death toll on Friday topped 2 million.

KSL 5 TV Live

Coronavirus

A syringe lies next to vials of COVID-19 booster vaccines at an inoculation station in Jackson, Mis...

Devi Shastri, AP Health Writer

An Idaho health department isn’t allowed to give COVID-19 vaccines anymore

A regional public health department in Idaho is no longer providing COVID-19 vaccines to residents in six counties after a narrow decision by its board.

1 month ago

At-Home COVID-19 Test kits are displayed at a drug store in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Monday, Aug. 26, 2...

AMANDA SEITZ, Associated Press

US is mailing out COVID tests again. Here’s how to get them

The U.S. government reopened the program, allowing any household to order at-home COVID nasal swab kits through the website.

2 months ago

YouTube ads can play even when your screen is paused now, and the YouTube logo can be seen on a sma...

Ramishah Maruf, CNN

YouTube ads can play even when your screen is paused now

The Google-owned platform confirmed Thursday that it has “widely rolled out Pause ads to all advertisers.”

2 months ago

FILE - This undated, colorized electron microscope image made available by the U.S. National Instit...

Emma Benson

‘You don’t want to wait’: Doctors urge Utahns get updated COVID-19 vaccine

Respiratory virus season is fast approaching, which means an uptick in flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases. But there are vaccines that can protect you against all three of these diseases, including a new COVID-19 vaccine.

3 months ago

Noah Lyles, of the United States, rests on the track following the men's 200-meters final at the 20...

Eddie Pells and Pat Graham, AP Sports Writers

COVID-stricken Noah Lyles finishes 3rd in 200 meters won by Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo

Noah Lyles lost the Olympic 200 meters Thursday, falling to Botswana's Letsile Tebogo, then being tended to by medics who carted him off the track in a wheelchair. Later, wearing a mask as he spoke with reporters, Lyles said he had COVID.

4 months ago

University of Utah's Long COVID clinic, which opened in 2021. (KSL TV)...

Brianna Chavez

More than 3,000 patients treated at University of Utah Long COVID Clinic since 2021, cases ‘still around’

In March 2020 Crystal Pederson tested positive for COVID-19. Months after she questioned why she wasn't feeling any better, until she was treated at University of Utah's Long COVID Clinic.

5 months ago

Sponsored Articles

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

Choosing the Right Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: A Trusted Name in Utah’s Home Appliance Industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

‘UK Variant’ Of COVID-19 Found In Utah, Officials Say