The first case of the COVID-19 variant believed to have originated in South Africa was identified in Massachusetts, the state’s Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday.
Variant B.1.351 was discovered in a woman in her 20s who lives in Middlesex County and who did not report any trips.
The variant is known to spread easily. Genetic sequencing at the Broad Institute on behalf of DPH confirmed the variant, which was originally identified in South Africa.
State health officials call for continuous vigilance, including the use of safe face coverings, keeping distance from others, avoiding meetings and staying home when you are ill.
The state also continues to see new cases of the virus variant first detected in the UK. The health department said Tuesday that it has already detected 34 cases of B.1.1.7. variant.