January 12, 2021 (Annapolis, MD) — Today the Anne Arundel County Department of Health received confirmation of two cases of COVID-19 in Anne Arundel County residents caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 variant strain commonly known as B-117.

The B-117 strain is more transmissible than other strains. It has not been shown to cause more severe illness or increased risk of death. There is no evidence that current vaccines are less effective on the B-117 strain.

“We are working closely with the Maryland Department of Health on contact tracing and testing for these two individuals and their contacts,” said Anne Arundel County Health Officer Nilesh Kalyanaraman, M.D. “It continues to be important that county residents keep up the key public health safety measures of wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands and avoiding crowds.”