By Tim Mastro

DOVER — The Delaware Division of Public Health has identified the state’s first case of B.1.617.2, a COVID-19 variant first found in India.

The variant is one of four considered “Variants of Interest” by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three other Variants of Interests have been found in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens, all of which originated in New York. The B.1.526 variant has been found 247 times, while B.1.526.1 has been identified 28 times and B.1.525 just twice.

Meanwhile B.1.1.7, commonly referred to as the U.K. Variant, has been identified 689 times in Delaware by the DPH. It is one of five variants considered “Variants of Concern” by the CDC along with P.1 from Brazil (21 cases in Delaware), B.1.429 from California (11 cases), B.1.427 from California (nine cases) and B.1.351 of South Africa (one case).

The DPH issued a reminder, “Virus mutation is common. Public health approach and treatments are currently not any different, but as these variants may be more contagious, it is even more important that individuals remain vigilant and continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus.”

The DPH has sequenced 2,555 specimens for COVID-19 variant strains to date, including 263 within the past week. It said the aggregate cases include 835 adults ranging in age from 18 years old to 98 years old, as well as 174 individuals younger than 18. A total of 775 individuals were from New Castle County, 138 were from Kent County and 96 were from Sussex County.

Delaware surpassed the 400,000 mark for the number of individuals who have been fully vaccinated in Delaware as the number increased to 401,211 — 361,770 of which are Delawareans. Non-residents can be vaccinated in the state provided they either work in Delaware or receive their health care here.

An additional 101,423 total persons have been partially vaccinated, including 91,447 Delawareans, and are awaiting their second dose of a two-dose vaccine series.

Delaware has administered 866,093 total doses of the vaccine as of Thursday at 11:59 p.m. Of Delawareans 16 years old and older, 57.6% have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

The DPH is now offering free transportation to vaccine appointments at its public health clinics, contracting with two vendors — DinesteHealth and Delmarva Transportation. To arrange for this free transportation, contact the DPH Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715 and press option 3.

For a list of DPH clinics offering vaccinations, visit here. Walk-ins at all sites are also welcome. Appointments can be scheduled in advance. All sites are near DART bus routes and are wheelchair accessible.

The DPH clinics offer the Pfizer vaccine so anyone age 12 and older is eligible to be vaccinated at these sites. Parental consent is required for anyone under age 18, but a parent is not required to be there in person. Parental consent can be provided by completing, printing and signing the Immunization Reporting Record on the webpage under the clinic location section.

The DPH reported 143 new cases of the virus and two new COVID-19-related deaths in Friday’s update, which reflects data as of Thursday at 6 p.m. Delaware has recorded a total of 108,166 positive cases and 1,654 COVID-19-related deaths.

COVID-19 hospitalizations remained unchanged compared to the day prior at 74, which is the second-lowest of 2021. Of those currently hospitalized, 10 cases are considered critical.