Colorado public health officials on Tuesday confirmed the presence of the new variant of COVID-19 first discovered in the U.K., saying the state is the first to identify the strain in the United States.
The variant is believed to be more contagious, but not more severe in symptoms, than previous strains of the virus.
“The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority and we will closely monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators, very closely,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement. “We are working to prevent spread and contain the virus at all levels.”
Colorado’s state lab confirmed the presence of the strain in an Elbert County man in his 20s. The person is isolating and has no travel history, according to the news release.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
