ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The Elkhart County Health Department was notified Wednesday by the state laboratory that a B. 1427 COVID-19 variant was collected over the weekend.

The B. 1427 variant is a mutation found in California.

The variant is more easily transmittable, which could lead to more cases and increase hospitalizations and deaths, the department said.

All residents over the age of 16 are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine, which is effective against the variant.

If you are sick, you can get tested at Concord Mall, Shanklin Park in Goshen, and Anglemyer Clinic in Nappanee.

Click here to schedule an appointment for the vaccine.