State Department of Health Launching Weekly COVID-19 Variant Report

The Washington State Department of Health announced Thursday that it will begin publishing a weekly novel coronavirus sequencing and variant report.

Evidence of the somewhat vaccine-resistant South African variant was first identified in Washington State Monday. There have also been 39 known cases of the more contagious U.K. variant in the state since late January.

According to the Department of Health, the goal of the report is to provide a statewide view of sequencing capacity and data, including breakouts by county and demographics. Comparing the sequences of viruses allows scientists to better understand viral transmission and the introduction of new variants to Washington State.

The report will be posted to the department's dashboard. Updates will come every Thursday.