(COLDWATER) – The COVID-19 variant B117 has now been identified in Hillsdale County.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says the variant was identified in a Hillsdale County resident, who has been in isolation since the initial COVID diagnosis.

CHA Health Officer Rebecca Burns says the B117 variant spreads more easily and is believed to be more contagious, which means it could potentially infect more people with less exposure. Burns says that's why it is imperative that people continue to follow prevention methods such as wearing masks, social distancing from others, avoiding crowds, washing your hands frequently and getting vaccinated when it becomes available to you.

Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against the B117 variant. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant.