The QC COVID Coalition's Thursday meeting saw the announcement that a notable variant of the COVID-19 virus has been discovered in the area.
The most notable talking point of the meeting was the discovery of the COVID-19 virus variant B.1.351 in Rock Island County, or as it's better known, the South African variant; named after the country for which is was discovered in.
"Having this new variant in our community underscores the need to take personal precautions to prevent further spread. Please continue to wear your mask when away from home, watch your distance when around others and wash your hands frequently," says Nita Ludwig, administrator of the RICO Health Department.
On the vaccine side of business, Ludwig also noted that giving priority to second doses, allocating slightly fewer of first doses to make sure that people are getting their second.
Additionally, IDPH has opened up vaccine opportunities for people suffering from pre-existing conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Diabetes
- Heart Condition
- Immunocompromised State from a Solid Organ Transplant
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Pulmonary Disease
- Sickle Cell Disease
