New York Governor announced that a case of the UK’s coronavirus strain has been confirmed by the Wadsworth lab.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a media conference call on Monday to update New Yorkers on the state’s continuing efforts to respond to the coronavirus.
NEW: The Wadsworth Lab has confirmed New York State’s first case of the U.K. variant (B.1.1.7) of the virus that causes COVID.
An individual from Saratoga County, New York, tested positive for the strain. The individual had no known travel history.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) January 4, 2021
UK strain of coronavirus confirmed in New York
“Wadsworth lab confirmed a case of the U.K. strain in Saratoga County, New York,” Gov. Cuomo said.. “He’s a man in his 60s who had some symptoms. He did not travel recently so the evidence suggests it’s in the community.”
The strain was found in a man working for N. Fox Jewelers In Saratoga Springs. Since December 24, the store has been closed.
Three more employees of the store tested positive for coronavirus. However, it’s not yet confirmed if they have been infected with the new UK strain of COVID-19.
Besides New York, three other states have confirmed the presence of the new strain. The states are:
- Colorado
- California
- Florida
This strain, formally known as the UK B117 COVID-19 strain, is 70% more infectious than the original coronavirus strain. New York’s Governor Cuomo said contact tracing is paramount to keep the strain’s spread under control.
“It’s about contact tracing,” Gov. Cuomo said. “We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can. We need the community’s help.”
Social media reactions
One user on Twitter said, “They found a guy with the new strain in New York, so I’m guessing us Americans are going to be in the same as soon as 46 gets in. God dude I CANT FOCUS ON MY STUDIES LET ME OUT”
Another user tweeted, “Just heard on MSNBC that Gov Cuomo said that the new COVID strain has been identified in New York. #WearAMask”
“Ton of flights coming to JFK from Johannesburg. Why aren’t we requiring a negative #COVID test to enter New York, especially now that the UK strain is here? We know where it is. Not a surprise like coming from Europe. Put a stop to it,” said a user in a tweet on Monday.
