Missouri begins clinical surveillance to monitor emerging COVID-19 variants
Through its Coronavirus Sewershed Surveillance Project, the department found the COVID-19 UK variant in various locations throughout the state
Author: Sasha Sander (KSDK)
Updated: 7:06 PM CST February 19, 2021
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Although COVID-19 positivity rates continue to decline in Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) plans to continue its precautions due to the unpredictability of emerging variants.
Through its Coronavirus Sewershed Surveillance Project, the department found the COVID-19 UK variant in various locations throughout the state.
“While Missouri has only one confirmed case of a patient with the UK variant, we understand this variant is more widespread in the United States and Missouri than detected by clinical and sentinel testing,” said DHSS Director Dr. Randall Williams. “We want to reiterate just the importance of washing your hands and using masks if you can’t social distance as more variants are detected. We hope all Missourians will consider being vaccinated as vaccines become more available.”