Update: Cases Attributed to the COVID-19 Variant Have Been Confirmed in the U.S.

We told you recently about the “new,” more contagious variant of COVID-19 causing illness in the United Kingdom. Less than 2 weeks later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed multiple U.S. cases caused by the same variant. It’s also been found in Canada, as well as numerous other countries. Further, it’s been revealed that the variant was actually identified in London back in September. While disease caused by this variant has not been found to be more deadly than the earlier variant at the heart of the pandemic, transmission seems to occur more easily, according to the CDC. The agency had already recommended vigilance—and proof of negative COVID-19 status—for individuals returning from the UK toward the end of December, but new advisories reflecting the spread in the U.S. have not been forthcoming at this point. To keep abreast of daily developments, it would be wise to monitor the webpage the CDC has dedicated to tracking new variants.