The B.1.1.7 strain of the coronavirus was first identified in Great Britain in late September 2020. Since that time, it has spread to numerous countries around the world. The variant has been associated with a faster spread of the virus among the population.
“We already know that COVID-19 is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets, and with this new variant appearing to be even more infectious, taking preventative measures like wearing a mask and physically distancing are even more important,” DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said in a statement.
Viruses are in the habit of changing over time, that is what they do. “Mutations among viruses are very common. It’s not unusual – in fact, it’s expected. As time goes on in the pandemic and the virus continues to replicate on a large scale, the genetic sequence of the virus will change,” Wisconsin’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Westergaard said.
Health officials are in agreement that the new strain is more contagious, meaning it spreads easier than when it first appeared. This does not mean it is deadlier, though. It does mean that it is important that we follow public health procedures like social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask when outside of the home.
The UK strain has been found in the following states:
1. California
2. Colorado
3. Connecticut
4. Florid
5. Georgia
6. Indiana
7. Minnesota
8. New York
9. Ohio
10. Pennsylvania
11. Texas
12. Wisconsin
