Florida reports first coronavirus case with more contagious British strain

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. The Florida Department of Health reported on Thursday night that a man in Florida was infected with the more contagious coronavirus strain that was first detected in the United Kingdom.

The case of the British variant is not travel-related and involves a man in his twenties living in Martin County, officials announced on New Year’s Eve on Twitter.

The FDOH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the matter. Colorado health officials on Tuesday reported the first non-travel-related case in the U.S. California reported the second confirmed case on Wednesday.

According to the World Health Organization, scientists first detected the British variant in September. Scientists are still investigating the variant, but there is consensus that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are still effective.

Public health officials are asking the public to wear a face mask, wash their hands regularly and take social distances.