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Summary
- Colorado health officials confirmed the first case of the new COVID-19 strain in the US. The new variant was first identified in the UK.
- The new COVID-19 variant is ~70% more transmissible as compared to the existing strains.
- The CDC said travellers from the UK need to provide a negative COVID-19 test report.
The US reported its first case of the new COVID-19 strain on 29 December. The highly contagious strain was first detected in the UK and led to travel restrictions and widespread lockdown in the European nation.
Health officials stated that the new strain case was confirmed by the Colorado State Laboratory. The new variant was detected in a man from Colorado who had no travel history. The man had been isolated in Elbert County, and details of the case notified to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Colorado confirms the first case of the new contagious COVID-19 variant. (Image Source: MegapixlTM)
The health authorities stated that the man is recovering in isolation. So far, no close contacts have been discovered. The officials are working to identify any other potential cases of the new strain throughout the state with thorough contact tracing protocols.
ALSO READ: Alarm Bells in the UK Over new COVID-19 Virus Mutation
New variant might be 70% more transmissible
The UK authorities had earlier stated that the new COVID-19 variant is almost 70% more transmissible as compared to the existing strains. The scientists noted that though the virus transmits more easily from one person to another, there is no evidence that it is any more deadly or resistant to the vaccines.
Image Source: Shutterstock
ALSO READ: New COVID-19 Strain Found in Australia, the Netherlands, and Denmark
Colorado Governor Jared Polis stated that the state is working to prevent the spread of the new contagious variant.
Travellers from the UK Require Proof of a negative COVID-19 test
In December, the CDC stated that the new COVID-19 variant could already be circulating in the US. If anyone is coming to the US from the UK, providing a negative test report for COVID-19 is necessary.
Image Source: MegapixlTM
The CDC stated that airlines must confirm the negative COVID-19 test report for all passengers before the board. If a passenger does not have a negative test report, the airline should not allow him/her to board.
