Houston’s sewage analysis shows that the United Kingdom’s COVID variant is spreading rapidly, a week after the end of the Texas mask’s term.

The Houston Department of Health made an alarming discovery in the city’s sewage system. According to NBC News affiliate KPRC-TV, samples of wastewater collected in Houston last month showed that the coronavirus variant first discovered in the UK is spreading rapidly. The variant was reportedly found in 31 of the city’s 39 wastewater treatment plants on February 22 – two weeks earlier, it was only found in 21 of the stations. The discovery was announced a week after Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he planned to end the state’s mask mandate and force a full reopening of all businesses. “The prevalence of the UK variant in our wastewater shows that it is actively spreading in our city,” said David Persse, medical director for the city of Houston. “This is another clear indication that we must continue to mask, practice social detachment, wash our hands, get tested and, when possible, be vaccinated.”