The B.1.1.7 variant has been discovered in the Commonwealth for the first time.
It was first identified in the United Kingdom late last year. It appears to be linked to increased person-to-person transmission of COVID-19.
State health officials say the new variant was identified in an adult who lives in northern Virginia. That individual has not travelled recently – according to a statement from the Virginia Department of Health.
It was discovered thanks to some sequencing technology that has been in use since March 2020 by Virginia’s Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. The technology is meant to help health officials get a better picture of any variants that may be in Virginia.
Nearly 200 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant have been discovered in 23 states since January 22nd. And while researchers are still tackling the subject, state officials say early data suggests authorized vaccines are still effective against the variant.
