[CED/CD/EAT] Fwd: B.1.1.7 Variant Found on Campus

Thu Mar 25 08:59:22 MST 2021

FYI...

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Dr. Michael D. Dake, University of Arizona Health Sciences" <healthsciences at comms.arizona.edu>
Date: March 25, 2021 at 08:57:03 MST
To: "Silvertooth, Jeffrey C - (silverto)" <Silver at ag.arizona.edu>
Subject: B.1.1.7 Variant Found on Campus
Reply-To: "Dr. Michael D. Dake, University of Arizona Health Sciences" <reply-fec511737766037a-303_HTML-35987311-110007453-12005 at comms.arizona.edu>

It is imperative to wear your face covering, maintain physical distancing, avoid large gatherings, and wash your hands frequently.

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Dear Campus Community,
The University has detected the B.1.1.7 variant of the coronavirus, the variant first detected in the UK, on campus through a research study being conducted by our labs. The presence in our community of this more virulent version of the virus that causes COVID-19 means everyone needs to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of this virus.

The CDC warns this variant is 50% more transmissible and the symptoms are likely to be more severe for those who contract this variant.

It is imperative to wear your face covering, maintain physical distancing, avoid large gatherings, and wash your hands frequently. As we indicated last week, the University's face covering policy has not changed. Face coverings are required in all University buildings, including classrooms, libraries, campus recreational facilities and other instructional settings (unless you are alone in a single occupancy office). They must be worn outdoors while on any University of Arizona property where continuous physical distancing of at least 6 feet is difficult or impossible to maintain.

Because the B.1.1.7 variant is more transmissible, it is more important than ever to answer your phone when contact tracers call and to be forthcoming with information about your close contacts.

The presence of the B.1.1.7 variant also emphasizes the need for everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they become eligible. Studies suggest the antibodies generated through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants and will provide protection against them. This is being closely investigated and more studies are underway.

The University of Arizona POD is now offering appointments to anyone 16 and older. Every Friday at 11 a.m., the state will open appointment slots for the following week. Please visit podvaccine.azdhs.gov to schedule an appointment.

The sooner we get a significant majority of people in our community vaccinated, the sooner we will have community immunity and the harder it will be for the variants of the virus to gain a foothold and continue to cause illness and death.

Sincerely,

Michael Dake, M.D.
Senior Vice President, Health Sciences

The University of Arizona

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