The California variant of COVID-19 has been identified in St. Joseph County

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Department of Health has confirmed the California variant of COVID-19, known as B.1427, has been identified in the county.

Surveillance testing is being performed on positive COVID-19 samples under the guidance of the Indiana Department of Health.

These tests will help health departments more accurately understand the percentage of cases in the state caused by each variant strain of COVID-19.

Clinical treatment and mitigation strategies remain the same for variant cases of the virus.

To sign up and register for a COVID-19 vaccination, click here.

Hoosiers 16 and older on will become eligible to register for their vaccination on Wednesday.