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First case of COVID-19 variant in Florida found in Martin County

Two previous infections were reported earlier this week in U.S.
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MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health on Thursday night reported it has evidence of the first identified case of the more contagious United Kingdom COVID-19 variant of a man in Martin County.

The individual is in his 20s with no history of travel, according to the department.

In a Twitter post, the agency said the Department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" on this investigation. We encourage all to continue practicing COVID-19 mitigation."

In another tweet, "at this time, experts anticipate little to no impact on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine."

Earlier Thursday, the health agency reported a record for increase of cases in one day, 17,192, surpassing the mark of 15,300 in July. Also 127 more deaths were reported.

Martin County has 7,839 cases, including an increase of 79 Thursday, and 210 deaths.

Two first cases of the variant were reported in the United States this week.

On Tuesday, the first reported U.S. case was discovered in Colorado. It was found in a man in his 20s who is in isolation southeast of Denver in Elbert County and has no travel history, state health officials said.

On Wednesday, a San Diego man with no travel outside the county has tested positive for the COVID-19 variant.

Scientists believe the variant is more contagious than previously identified strains. The vaccines being given are thought to be effective against the variant, Colorado health officials said in a news release.

Officials from the CCDC said Wednesday that the new strain of Covid-19 now circulating in the U.S. could further stress hospitals that are already overwhelmed with coronavirus patients.

The British variant was first detected in September, according to the World Health Organization.

Two first cases of the variant were reported in the United States this week.

On Tuesday, the first reported U.S. case was discovered in Colorado. It was found in a man in his 20s who is in isolation southeast of Denver in Elbert County and has no travel history, state health officials said.

On Wednesday, a San Diego man with no travel outside the county has tested positive for the COVID-19 variant.

Scientists believe the variant is more contagious than previously identified strains. The vaccines being given are thought to be effective against the variant, Colorado health officials said in a news release.

Officials from the CCDC said Wednesday that the new strain of Covid-19 now circulating in the U.S. could further stress hospitals that are already overwhelmed with coronavirus patients.

The British variant was first detected in September, according to the World Health Organization.