The University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ has detected a coronavirus variant on campus through a research study, a UA health sciences official said Thursday.Â
The presence of what is commonly called the UK variant virus strain in on campus means everyone should be more vigilant to prevent the spread of the spread of virus, Dr. Michael Dake, Senior Vice President of Health Sciences at the UA, said in a letter sent across the UA community.Â
Face coverings are still required on campus, and Dake said it's important to continue to social distance, avoid large gatherings and frequently wash your hands.Â
Dake also reminded students it's important to respond when contact tracers call and to be honest about close contacts.Â
Gov. Doug Ducey visited the COVID-19 vaccination site at the University of ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Wednesday and answered questions from the media about the state's vaccine distribution, its feud with Pima County over a federally run vaccine pod, border issues and more.
With a new, more contagious strain of the virus, getting as many people vaccinated as possible is even more important, Dake said.Â
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The antibodies from the vaccine are still effective against COVID-19 variants and protect against them.Â
The UA vaccine POD is accepting anyone over the age of 16 for vaccines as of Wednesday. Another round of vaccine appointments for next week will open Friday at 11 a.m. To schedule an appointment, visit .
"The sooner we get a significant majority of people in our community vaccinated, the sooner we will have community immunity," Dake said.  "And the harder it will be for the variants of the virus to gain a foothold and continue to cause illness and death."
Photos: TUSD begins in-person full-time instruction
TUSD in-person instruction
Julian Salomon, second grader, listens to his teacher Ingrid Reyes during class at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.Â
TUSD in-person instruction
Grace Beltran, co-teacher and curriculums service provider, teaches a group of students about spacing by having students hold out their arms before classes started at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.Â
TUSD in-person instruction
Roman Leon, fourth grader, completes his bellwork during the beginning of class at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.Â
TUSD in-person instruction
A student walks past a hand sanitizer station while heading outside to eat breakfast before classes start at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.Â
TUSD in-person instruction
Julian Salomon, left, second grader, listens to his teacher Ingrid Reyes during class at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.
TUSD in-person instruction
Kindergarten students work behind plexiglass during class at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.Â
TUSD in-person instruction
Kinder-gardeners jump on one leg while playing "Simon Says" outside during a break from class at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.Â
TUSD in-person instruction
Trevor Salago, magnet site coordinator, gives hand sanitizer to kinder-gardener Alexander Morales-Bermudez at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.Â
TUSD in-person instruction
Maria Doniz, janitor, sanitizes a students desk while the class plays outside at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.Â
TUSD in-person instruction
A drawing talking about mask wearing made by Grace Beltran, co-teacher and curriculums service provider, is taped to a wall at Holladay Magnet Elementary School, 1110 E. 33rd St., in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥, Ariz. on March 23, 2021.
Contact reporter Stephanie Casanova at scasanova@tucson.com. On Twitter: @CasanovaReports
Stephanie Casanova
Reporter
