DENVER (CBS4) – A new variant of the COVID-19 virus has been discovered in Colorado, which is considered more contagious. Government Jared Polis and state health officials have announced Colorado’s first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, previously discovered in the United Kingdom.
(credit: CBS)
The Colorado State Laboratory has confirmed the matter and filed it with the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The individual is a man in his twenties who is currently in isolation in Elbert County and has no travel history.
The individual recovers in isolation and will remain there until approved by public health officials. The individual has no close contacts so far, but public health officials are working to identify other possible cases and contacts through in-depth contact tracing interviews. “
Public health officials said they are conducting a thorough investigation.
“There is a lot we don’t know about this new COVID-19 variant, but scientists in the UK are warning the world that it is significantly more contagious. Coloradans health and safety is our top priority and we will be closely monitoring this matter as well as all COVID-19 indicators. We are working to prevent the spread and contain the virus at all levels, ”said Jared Polis government.
Officials said the Colorado State Lab was the first in the country to quickly identify the variant through advanced analysis of test samples.
Scientists in the UK believe that the B.1.1.7 variant is more contagious than previously identified strains of the SARS-CoV-2 variant, although the symptoms are no more severe.
Currently approved vaccines are believed to be effective against this variant.
“The fact that Colorado was the first to discover this variant in the country is a testament to the sophistication of Colorado’s response and the talent of CDPHE’s scientists and laboratory activities,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “We are currently using all available tools to protect public health and prevent the spread of this variant.”
Gov. Polis and state officials will provide further details at a news conference tomorrow morning.