:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/F2BL37YV3BCNRH53FO5JNNVADI.jpg "Florida reports first case of coronavirus with most infectious British strain")
MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health reported on Thursday night that a Florida man was infected with the most infectious strain of coronavirus first detected in the United Kingdom.
The case of the British variant is not related to travel and involves a man in his 20s who lives in Martin County, officials announced on Twitter on New Year’s Eve.
The FDOH is working with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the case. Colorado health officials reported the first non-travel case in the U.S. on Tuesday. California reported the second confirmed case on Wednesday.
The World Health Organization reported that scientists first detected the British variant in September. Scientists are still researching the variant, but there is a consensus that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are still effective.
Public health officials are asking the public to wear a mask, wash their hands frequently and maintain social distance.
Florida has evidence of the first identified case of the United Kingdom’s COVID-19 variant in Martin County. The individual is a man in his 20s with no travel history. The Department is working with the CDC on this investigation. We encourage everyone to continue practicing COVID-19 mitigation.
– Florida Department of Health (@HealthyFla) January 1, 2021
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