St. Joseph County identifies first local case of the UK variant of COVID-19

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Health Department announced it has identified its first local case of the UK variant of COVID-19.

The department says all of the vaccines currently authorized in the United States have demonstrated efficacy against the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant.

Indiana has identified 28 cases of the UK variant and Michigan has identified 247 cases of the variant as of March 9, according to the CDC.

Both Michigan and Indiana identified their first cases of the variant in mid-January.

The health department encourages everyone to continue wearing a face covering when around people who are not in your household, continue physical distancing, wash your hands often, stay home if ill and get the vaccine when you are eligible.