3 New Coronavirus Variant Cases Reported In Michigan Saturday

LANSING, MI — Three more people in Michigan have tested positive for B.1.1.7, a new variant of the coronavirus, prompting state health officials to urge more Michiganders to be tested for COVID-19.

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials on Saturday announced that they had identified a B.1.1.7 case in Wayne County. The testing lab also detected the variant in two women associated with the University of Michigan, which previously had three B.1.1.7 cases identified, officials said.

The one Wayne County case and five confirmed cases in Washtenaw County give Michigan six total cases of the COVID-19 variant.

“The new variant is present in Michigan and we are at risk of seeing more spread of COVID-19. Everyone should do their part to end this pandemic," Michigan Chief Medical Executive Joneigh Khaldun said. "Get tested if you have been exposed, have symptoms, or have recently traveled to an area with a new variant spreading.

“Make sure you are following all quarantine and isolation guidance. And do your part to prevent the spread of this virus by continuing to wear your mask, avoid gatherings, socially distance, and washing your hands.”

Related: 2 More Cases Of Coronavirus Variant Found In Southeast Michigan

Residents can find COVID-19 test sites in their communities here.

Meanwhile, Michigan on Saturday reported 1,601 new cases of the coronavirus and 221 more COVID-19 deaths. The new figures bring the state's coronavirus totals to 548,069 cases and 14,291, according to state data.

More than 463,000 people in Michigan have recovered from the coronavirus, according to state health officials.