New COVID-19 Variant Confirmed in South Carolina

New COVID-19 Variant Confirmed in South Carolina

On Thursday, January 28th, DHEC confirmed that two cases of a variant of COVID-19 known as the South African strain (B.1.351 variant) had been detected in South Carolina. These cases are the first confirmed cases of this variant in the United States.

•       According to Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Interim Public Health Director, "we do not have concern at this time ... about there being the potential for any mass, widespread transmission."

•       DHEC reports that at this time “there’s no evidence to suggest that the B.1.351 variant causes more severe illness.”

•       While there is some debate as to whether the available COVID-19 vaccine will be effective against this strain, DHEC has said, "Experts agree that existing vaccines work to protect us from this variant, even if we don't know precisely how effective they are."