KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – A new potentially dangerous strain of COVID-19 has been reported in Tennessee, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.
TDH officials said seven samples were sent to the CDC for analysis. The CDC confirmed that the samples are the B117 variant of COVID-19.
According to TDH, Tennessee is among the 20 states that report cases of COVID-19 caused by variants.
Health officials said the new strain could be more dangerous because it could be more contagious, even twice as transmissible, than other known strains of COVID.
“Viruses are constantly changing and new variants should occur over time,” said a statement from TDH. “This does not change our response to COVID-19 in Tennessee, but it does serve as a reminder of the need for continuous surveillance and practical simple actions that we can all take to prevent further spread of COVID-19: washing your hands frequently, limiting meetings, keep social distance, wear a mask in public and get vaccinated when you qualify for it. “
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