After news that the UK coronavirus strain was detected in California and Colorado, leading health experts are emphasizing the need for mitigation measures to prevent the virus from spreading.
The coronavirus B.1.1.7. the variant is considered more transmissible than COVID-19, but it is not considered more virulent or resistant to vaccines and treatment.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday that the new coronavirus strain was found in southern California. Meanwhile, following a confirmed variant case, Colorado officials are investigating a second “highly suspicious” but as yet unconfirmed case of a coronavirus variant potentially found in another COVID-19 positive patient.
US surgeon general Jerome Adams assured Americans on Thursday that the recently approved coronavirus vaccines appear effective against the new strain, however, he urged caution before the New Year holiday.
“You should be concerned about any concerns you have and understand that vaccines still look like they will work,” Adams told co-hosts on ABC’s “Good Morning America” program. “I talked to Dr. Collins and Dr. Fauci about it yesterday. But a more contagious variant means that it is more critical that we follow these basic public health measures, especially in this new year.”
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In addition, Fox News medical collaborator Dr. Nicole Saphier said that the new contagious strain will be more difficult to control, although she has noted that there is already an unchecked spread of viruses.
“Ultimately, it just means that it can be a little more difficult to contain this virus, but we already have an uncontrolled spread, which is why we have to keep wearing the mask, physical distance and encouraging people to get vaccines,” Saphier told ” Fox & Friends First “co-presents Thursday.
Fox News’s Morgan Phillips and Alexandria Hein contributed to this report.