First Reported US Case Of COVID-19 Variant Found In Colorado

Governor Jared Polis announced that the first reported U.S. case of the COVID-19 variant has been discovered in Colorado. The variant has been seen throughout the United Kingdom.

Polis announced on Tuesday (December 29) that the variant was found in a man in his 20s. He is in isolation in Elbert County, southeast of Denver, according to state health officials. He has no travel history.

The Colorado State Laboratory confirmed the virus variant and notified the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Public health officials are now investigating other potential cases and contact tracing to determine the spread of the new variant in Colorado.

The discovery of the new variant in the United Kingdom prompted the CDC to rollout tighter travel restrictions for travelers from the U.K. arriving in the U.S.

Travelers must now show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before entering the country.

Many countries barred flights from the U.K. and southern England was placed under strict lockdown in response.

Scientists say while there is reason for concern, the new strains should not cause alarm or panic.

"There is a lot we don’t know about this new COVID-19 variant, but scientists in the United Kingdom are warning the world that it is significantly more contagious," said Polis. "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."

Governor Polis and state health officials are expected to hold a news conference about the discovery on Wednesday, December 30.

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