A new variant of the coronavirus, seen in the UK and considered more contagious, was discovered in Colorado, according to Governor Jared Polis on Tuesday.
It was found in a man in his 20s who is isolated southeast of Denver, in Elbert County, a rural area on the edge of the Denver metropolitan area. He and has no travel history, state health officials said.
“The health and safety of coloradanos is our priority and we will closely monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators. We are working to prevent the spread and contain the virus at all levels,” said Polis.
QUICK FACTS
- Public health officials are investigating other potential cases.
- Dozens of countries have barred flights from the UK after the variant was discovered
Although the variant is considered more contagious than the strains previously identified, Colorado health officials said the vaccines being administered are now considered effective against it, adding urgency to efforts to vaccinate Americans.
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