Molecular model of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spike (S) protein (red) with the mutation centers B.1.531 and B.1.1.7. S-proteins are found in the viral membrane, it binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors (ACE2, blue) on the host membranes and facilitates the penetration of the virus into the cell.
Juan Gaertner | Scientific Photo Library | Getty Images
The highly contagious variant, first identified in the UK, is now the most common Covid strain spreading in the US, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Wednesday.
The variant, known as B.1.1.7, is “now the most common genus circulating in the United States.” CDC director, dr. Rachelle Walensky, said during an information session in the White House. “Testing remains an important strategy to quickly identify and isolate infectious individuals, including people with worrying variants,” Walensky said.
The UK identified B.1.1.7, which appears to be more deadly and more easily distributed than other strains, last autumn. It has since spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, which on Tuesday identified 16,275 cases in 52 jurisdictions.
According to the CDC data map, Florida has the most confirmed cases of the new variant, followed by Michigan, Wisconsin, California and Colorado. Public health officials say they are working as quickly as possible to identify more cases.
Last week, Walensky said the B.1.1.7 strain is becoming the predominant strain in many regions of the U.S., accounting for 26% of Covid-19 cases spread across the country. She urged the public to continue with pandemic safety measures, such as washing hands, wearing masks and practicing social distance.
“This is a critical moment in our fight against the pandemic,” Walensky said last week.
The number of Coronavirus cases remains far from their peak level in January, but slightly above the most recent low at the end of March. The seven-day average of daily new cases is 64,700, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, a level similar to what the country saw in the summer.
Although the rate of vaccinations is increasing, highly contagious variants are spreading rapidly and could potentially halt the country’s recovery from the pandemic.
Walensky said on Wednesday that the US should accelerate its vaccination efforts, which averaged 3.1 million shots a day as of Monday. On Tuesday, President Joe Biden announced that states must open Covid-19 vaccine appointments for all U.S. adults by April 19, which should increase its original deadline by nearly two weeks.
“We must continue to vaccinate as many Americans as we can every day,” Walensky said, adding that it would reduce new cases and deaths.
CNBC’s Nate Rattner contributed to this report.