FAIRMONT — According to information provided by Tim Langer, Public Health Sanitarian, of Community Health & Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties, there has been a noticeable increase of COVID-19 cases in both counties over the past several days.

“We are seeing cases among younger community members now – those who have not yet been vaccinated,” the release stated. “There are confirmed outbreaks of the variant strain (B.1.1.7) of COVID-19 in neighboring counties. This strain spreads very easily.”

Langer shares some insight on the new variant strain, and who it is affecting the most.

“I would say, in general, it’s the under 18 school-age children,” he said. “Especially in Faribault County over on the eastern side of the county.

“Statewide we’re seeing an increase in cases in youth, and also in youth sports and recreation. There’s been at least 300 cases of the UK variant/B117 variant in the state in Scott County, Carver County, Blue Earth County, and St. Louis County.

“The thing about the UK variant is that it appears to spread among children easier, although I’m not aware that it causes more severe illness. However, in adults, it is spreading easier and causing more severe illness.”

The information from Public Health officials urges community members to stay vigilant, continue to wear masks, stay home when ill, wash their hands frequently, get tested when they feel sick, and participate in contact investigation when they receive the call. While the distribution of vaccines is encouraging, it’s vital to continue these basic disease prevention steps until enough of the population can be vaccinated.

In Martin County, 5,613 individuals have received at least their first vaccination for COVID-19. 22 percent of the population has received at least one dose. The percentage of the population over age 65 in Martin County who received their first dose of vaccine is 71.9.

In Faribault County, 3,831 individuals have received at least their first vaccination for COVID-19. 22 percent of the total population has received at least one dose. The percentage of the population over age 65 in Faribault County who received their first dose of vaccine is 74.4.

“We’re getting people vaccinated each day, each week,” said Langer. “It’s been described as though we’re kind of in a race between the variants and the vaccine. The experts are saying we’re going to see a peak in the state again before we get to herd immunity.

“At this point, we’re just seeing where this is going to go and reminding people to continue to mask and distance as much as possible until we get through this. As I said, the UK variant is our biggest concern right now and we’re following it closely.”