First reported US case of COVID-19 variant present in Colorado

The primary reported U.S. case of the COVID-19 variant that’s been seen in the UK has been found in Colorado

DENVER — The primary reported U.S. case of the COVID-19 variant that is been seen within the United Kingdom has been found in Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis introduced Tuesday.

The coronavirus variant was present in a person in his 20s who’s in isolation southeast of Denver and has no journey historical past, state well being officers mentioned.

The Colorado State Laboratory confirmed the virus variant, and the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention was notified.

Scientists within the U.Ok. consider the brand new virus variant is extra contagious than beforehand recognized strains of the SARS-CoV-2. The vaccines being given now are regarded as efficient in opposition to the variant, Colorado well being officers mentioned in a information launch.

Public well being officers are investigating different potential instances and performing contract tracing to find out the unfold of the variant all through the state.

“There’s a lot we don’t find out about this new COVID-19 variant, however scientists within the United Kingdom are warning the world that it’s considerably extra contagious. The well being and security of Coloradans is our prime precedence, and we’ll carefully monitor this case, in addition to all COVID-19 indicators, very carefully,” Polis mentioned.

Polis and state well being officers are anticipated to handle the general public Wednesday.

The invention of the brand new variant lead the CDC to subject new guidelines on Christmas Day for vacationers arriving to the U.S. from the U.Ok., requiring they present proof of a unfavourable COVID-19 check.