NYSDOH swabbed and tested 5 additional individuals associated with the store yesterday; 4 of the individuals tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, however further testing is currently underway to determine if they were infected with the B.1.1.7 variant strain. Of the 4 individuals that tested positive, 3 were previously known to be positive, and 1 person had been ill and had been isolating prior to the positive test result. No additional individuals have tested positive for the B.1.1.7 variant at this time.

Individuals who visited N. Fox Jewelers between December 18 and December 24 can receive free testing beginning today at Saratoga State Park, 99 E. West Road, Saratoga Springs, as follows:

Tuesday, January 5, from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 6, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 7, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Friday, January 8, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The link to register for testing is here: https://apps.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?OpID=50501148&fbclid=IwAR2VuJIPOq_BGhvAzeoafK8Oo_WKeiZoM9G6aW2XgvXt6nulsFVa0zNOKHQ

Positive specimens from this testing event will be sequenced at the Wadsworth Center to attempt to detect the B.1.1.7 variant.

While data indicate that the variant is up to 70% more contagious, there is no current evidence that this variant causes more severe illness or increased risk of death. Regardless of the strain, the public health measures recommended from the start of the pandemic still all apply here – wear a mask, social distance, avoid crowds, wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick.

Additionally, it is worth noting that there is no evidence to date that COVID-19 vaccines would not be effective in protecting against the B.1.1.7 variant.