The UK coronavirus variant has been reported in Georgia; 5th state to report case

(AP) – Georgia officials say they have confirmed the state’s first case of the coronavirus variant that was first seen in the United Kingdom.

Graphic shows a diagram of the COVID-19 virus.

The Georgia Department of Health said Tuesday that lab tests found an 18-year-old Georgia man is infected with the variant. It says the man had no travel history and is in isolation at his home.

Cases of the United Kingdom variant have also been reported in Colorado, California, Florida and New York.

Georgia health officials say preliminary information suggests the variant is significantly more contagious. State health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey urged residents to continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing and washing their hands frequently.