WASHINGTON (FOX 5 DC) - DC Health has announced that two variants of COVID-19, the strains known to be widespread in the UK and South Africa, have been detected in D.C. residents.
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Director of DC Health Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt says there are three cases of the UK strain and one case of the South African strain.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 2 UK variant COVID-19 cases identified in Maryland
She also reminded reporters at a press conference on Thursday that not every person is tested for the variants of COVID-19.
Dr. Nesbitt says further details are not known at this time, but encourages residents to continue washing their hands, social distancing and wearing a mask.
DC Health also gave an update on vaccines in the District, saying that next week's vaccine allotment is up approximately 50% from two weeks ago. DC Health expects to have approximately 40% of seniors vaccinated by the end of this week and 70% vaccinated by the end of February.
Photo: DC Health
In early March, DC Health says the registration process will be updated to allow individuals to sign up to be alerted when there is a vaccine available to them.
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The District currently has a 5.2% COVID test positivity rate and a daily case rate of 23.4.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.