Published on February 19, 2021
Weld County — Two variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been found in Weld County. The mutated viruses are B.1.1.7, or the United Kingdom (UK) variant, and L452. Currently, multiple variants of the virus are circulating globally. Some viruses change through mutation leading to new variants of that virus over time. Some variants will emerge and then disappear while other variants may spread more easily and quickly. Research is ongoing to determine how virulent these variants are; however, current evidence shows the UK variant spreads more easily than the original virus.
The State of Colorado and the Weld County Health Department are working collaboratively to conduct contact tracing of the people identified with and exposed to the new variant COVID-19 viruses.
Research conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the current COVID-19 vaccine does provide protections against the emerging variants, but more study is needed. As vaccines continue to be made available, the public is encouraged to get their no-cost vaccination. Currently, vaccinations are being provided to the Phase 1B – Group 2 (which started on February 8, 2021). This group includes:
Vaccines also continue to be provided to anyone ages 70 and over. For general questions about COVID-19, including where and how to obtain vaccinations, go to the COVID-19 webpage.