MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health reported on Thursday night that a Florida man was infected with the more infectious coronavirus strain that was first detected in the United Kingdom.
The case of the British variant is not travel-related and involves a man in his 20s who lives 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 case. Colorado health officials reported the first non-travel-related case in the U.S. on Tuesday. California reported the second confirmed case on Wednesday.
The World Health Organization reported scientists first detected 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 social distance.
Florida has evidence of the first identified case of the UK COVID-19 variant in Martin County. The individual is a male in his 20s with no history of travel. The Department is working with the CDC on this investigation. We encourage all to continue practicing COVID-19 mitigation.
— Florida Dept. Health (@HealthyFla) January 1, 2021
Related links
- Coronavirus: Florida sets record on last day of 2020 reporting 17,192 new cases
- Miami-Dade, Broward seniors face maze of COVID-19 vaccine confusion
- Complete coverage of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact in South Florida
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