First confirmed case of COVID-19 variant reported in Mercer County, identified in Trenton resident
The first confirmed case of the United Kingdom variant of COVID-19 in Mercer County was reported by Trenton officials on Saturday, Feb. 6. This is the second confirmed case of the variant that has been detected in New Jersey. The first case was confirmed on Jan. 22.
COVID-19 testing for a North Ward resident showed the presence of the United Kingdom COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said. The resident has since tested negative for COVID-19, and one other person in the resident’s household is awaiting COVID-19 test results.
According to the CDC website, this variant spreads faster and more easily than other versions of the virus.
“With the emergence of this variant in Trenton, we can’t think of a more important time to remind our residents to keep their guard up,” Gusciora said in a written statement. “That means practicing social distancing, wearing your mask, and making sure to get tested if you have any symptoms. Thankfully, we already have testing scheduled at the MLK School in the North Ward next week, and strongly encourage our residents to take advantage of this opportunity.”
The city is offering free COVID-19 testing from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Feb. 9 and Feb. 12 at the MLK School on 401 Brunswick Avenue. No registration is needed, and tests will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge for testing, but residents should bring their insurance cards if they have one, along with proof of Trenton residency.
The city operating phase 1 closed vaccine sites for first responders, healthcare professionals, and people with high-risk conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to the virus. City officials said residents interested in getting a vaccine should pre-register via the state portal at covidvaccine.nj.gov. Trenton residents who need help registering should call the Trenton Department of Health at (609)-989-3242.
As of Saturday, Trenton has had a total of 6,373 COVID-19 cases with 85 related deaths. Sunday data is not available yet because the Mercer County COVID-19 dashboard is experiencing technical difficulties, according to a note at the top of the website.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.
I’m 81 & my husband is 83. We both have health issues. We applied for thevacine three weeks ago. We are still waiting for an appointment. I see others getting the vaccine but feel like our area is being ignored.. We probably have a better chance of dying than getting the vine sot.