Florida reports 1st coronavirus case with more contagious British strain

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health reported Thursday night that a Florida man was infected with the more contagious strain of coronavirus first discovered in the UK.

The case of the British variant is not travel-related and involves a man in his twenties living in Martin County, officials announced on Twitter on New Year’s Eve.

The FDOH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the matter. Health officials in Colorado reported the first non-travel-related case in the US on Tuesday. California reported the second confirmed case on Wednesday.

The World Health Organization reported that scientists first discovered the British variant in September. Scientists are still researching the variant, but there is consensus that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are still effective.

Public health officials are asking the public to wear a face mask, wash hands often, and take social distance.