In this file photo on June 30, 2020, Govin Newsom removed his face mask before giving an update during a visit to Pittsburg, California.
Ryk Pedroncelli | AP
California health officials have identified the state’s first case of the new and more contagious strain of Covid-19 originally discovered in the United Kingdom, Govin Newsom said Wednesday.
The patient was in the southern part of the state, Newsom said. Dr. Anthony Fauci, adviser on the Coronavirus in the White House, said during a live Q&A session on Facebook.
“I do not think the Californians should feel that this is something strange. It is expected,” Fauci told Newsom.
On Tuesday, health officials in Colorado confirmed the country’s first case of the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant. The Colorado government, Jared Polis, said during a press briefing on Wednesday that the state is investigating a possible second case of the new tribe.
This is an evolving story. Come check back later for updates.