New COVID-19 Variant From U.K Confirmed In U.S. For First Time

The first confirmed case of the new, more transmissible COVID-19 variant first discovered in the U.K. has been discovered in the United States.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) said Tuesday the state laboratory confirmed the variant known as B.1.1.7 in a male in his 20s, who is currently in isolation in Elbert County.

“There is a lot we don’t know about this new COVID-19 variant, but scientists in the United Kingdom are warning the world that it is significantly more contagious,” Polis said in a statement. “The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority and we will closely monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators, very closely.”

This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.