COVID-19 Variant Discovered in Vermont Resident

For the first time, Vermont health officials have detected one of the more infectious variants of the COVID-19 virus, reports NBC 5.

The variant, named the B.1.1.7 variant, was originally discovered in the United Kingdom. In February, VT health officials announced a “likely presence” of the variant in the state after discovering mutations in wastewater. On Monday, it was announced that the variant had been discovered in a Chittenden County resident.

According to VT Health Commissioner Mark Levine, these findings were not a surprise. “This and other variants have been circulating throughout the U.S. for some time, so we expected to find evidence here. In fact, we are the last New England state where it has been detected,” he stated.

At this time, vaccine manufacturers have reported that their vaccines should provide some protection against the mutations. Moderna has submitted a variant-specific vaccine candidate for a clinical study.