The New COVID-19 Strain Is Now Present in These 15 States

7. Minnesota

Minnesota is among the first states that have identified the new virus strain, as data from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) has shown. According to CNN, the first new strain case in the state was confirmed on December 18. As of January 9, the Minnesota State Health Department announced that 5 people from the state are now infected with the new coronavirus variant from the U.K., all living in the Twin Cities metro area.

Make sure to also check: 7 Biggest Myths About COVID-19 Vaccine That Could Jeopardize Your Life.

8. Connecticut

Gov. Ned Lamont has confirmed in a series of tweets on January 7 that two people with ages between 15 and 25 had tested positive to the new COVID-19 strain from the U.K. Both infected people live in New Haven County and both also traveled internationally recently.

See also: Common Habits That Can Put YOU At A Higher Risk For COVID-19.

9. Texas

As data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has shown, the first infected person with the U.K. strain in the state is a 30-year old Harris County resident that hasn’t traveled anywhere recently.

According to DSHS Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, “The fact that this person had no travel history suggests this variant is already circulating in Texas.” Therefore, it’s very important right now to be even more careful with the infection prevention practices, such as wearing a face mask, washing your hands frequently, social distancing, and avoiding crowded, indoor places. Since then, another B.1.1.7 case has been identified in Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Also read: First Coronavirus Vaccines: How Effective Are They and What Does It Mean for You?