A new variant of the COVID-19 virus has been identified in Livingston County. Livingston County Health Center announced lab confirmation from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services of the Iota (New York) variant of COVID-19 circulating in Livingston County.
The Iota or “New York” variant was first identified in New York in November of last year. 2020. The variant has shown to be less contagious than the UK and Indian variants also circulating in the county, but still more so than the original wild virus.
Health Center officials say all three types of vaccine being used in the United States have proven effective against the variants circulating, by lessening symptoms of COVID-19 and reducing hospitalization and death.
Livingston County residents can get vaccinated on a walk-in basis at the Health Center each Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is no out-of-pocket cost.
The Health Center would like to encourage all residents, regardless of vaccination status, to be vigilant about prevention measures like wearing a mask in public, washing hands frequently, staying home if you do not feel well and getting tested sooner rather than later, so close contacts can be notified.
Testing is also offered at the Livingston County Health Center, Monday to Friday during normal hours.
