LINCOLN, Nebraska (KOLN) – The Department of Health and Human Services in Nebraksa confirmed the first known case of the UK variant of COVID-19 in the state.
The person is a woman in her 20s who lives in Douglas County.
“The state has long claimed that we suspect that these new variants of this virus are circulating in Nebraska and we have been vigilant in our genomic sequencing efforts to quickly identify new variants to slow the spread. Masking, distance and being vaccinated remain our best defenses against these new variants, ”said Nebraska Medical Director Dr. Gary Anthone.
This particular variant has been found in 45 other states and is more easily transmitted, but the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have proven effective against it.
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which is expected to be approved soon, has also been shown to be effective against it.
The investigation of the case and the tracking of the contact began within 24 hours after the positive laboratory test and are ongoing.
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