MADISON, Delete. (WMTV) – The new coronavirus variant that originally circulated widely in England has reached Wisconsin.
The Department of Health Services reported it confirmed that the variant, which appears to be spreading faster and faster than the current strain, was found in Eau Claire on Tuesday. DHS noted that the new species, while seemingly more contagious, does not appear to be more deadly or cause more serious COVID-19 symptoms.
“We already know that COVID-19 is easily transmitted via respiratory droplets, and as this new variant appears to be even more contagious, taking preventive measures such as wearing a mask and physically distancing themselves are even more important,” said DHS Secretary -appointed Andrea Palm.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway had previously warned that the variant was likely already present in the state after it was confirmed in neighboring Minnesota. Dr. Ryan Westergaard, DHS Chief Medical Officer, noted that mutations of viruses are “very common” and that coronavirus variants were expected.
“As time passes in the pandemic and the virus continues to proliferate widely, the genetic sequence of the virus will change,” he said.
The mutated strain was discovered with the help of laboratory partners, DHS explains, through continuous monitoring and sequencing of the whole genome.
This story is still under development. NBC15 will update it as more information becomes available.
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