(St. Paul, MN) — Health officials are reporting the state’s first case of the South African variant of COVID-19. Officials say the sample came from a 40-year-old Twin Cities resident who became ill on January 24th and wasn’t identified through genome sequencing techniques until Wednesday. They added that this variant is known to be more transmissible, but research has yet to support if the variant is deadlier. The Department of Health urges everyone to continue doing their part in slowing the spread and preventing the virus from mutating by wearing masks, social distancing, staying home when sick and getting tested when appropriate.
About the Author: Ashley Hanley
Ashley (Goettl) Hanley is a North Mankato native and Mankato West graduate who made the switch from TV journalism to radio.
After five years at KEYC News 12, Ashley is thrilled to be working for KTOE News. Ashley and her husband John, and son John, enjoy spending time in the community. You can also find Ashley coaching and playing softball and supporting her brother on the MSU football team and her sister with Scarlet athletics.
Even though she went to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Ashley kept her Minnesota roots and is a big Twins and Vikings fan!
