The Emergency Operations Center reported four new cases of COVID-19 in Petersburg on Thursday, according to a joint press release between the Petersburg Borough and Petersburg Medical Center.

Three of the cases are limited to one household and are travel related, and the fourth case is still under investigation. All four individuals have been directed to isolate themselves. The four active cases are the first to be reported in the community in over two weeks.

According to the press release, the British variant of COVID-19, known as B.1.1.7., was identified in a Petersburg resident in March by public health officials. B.1.1.7. is more transmissible than the strain of the virus that has been circulating since the start of the pandemic and is quickly becoming the predominant strain of COVID-19 in the Lower 48, according to the press release.

All incoming travelers to Petersburg are required by local health mandates to be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival in town. Testing services are free at the Petersburg Airport to anyone who requests to be tested for the virus.