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MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – The new variant of the coronavirus that originally circulated widely in England has reached Wisconsin.
The Department of Health Services reported that it had confirmed that the variant, which appears to be spreading faster and faster than the current strain, was found in Eau Claire on Tuesday. DHS noted that while apparently more contagious, the new strain does not appear to be more deadly or cause more severe symptoms of COVID-19.
“We already know that COVID-19 is easily transmitted by respiratory droplets, and with this new variant which appears to be even more contagious, it is even more important to take preventative measures like wearing a mask and keeping away physical, ”said Andrea Palm, secretary-designate of DHS. .
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway previously warned the variant was likely already in the state after it was confirmed in neighboring Minnesota. DHS chief medical officer Dr Ryan Westergaard noted that virus mutations are “very common” and that variants of the coronavirus are expected.
“As time passes in the pandemic and the virus continues to replicate on a large scale, the genetic sequence of the virus will change,” he said.
The mutated strain was discovered with the help of laboratory partners, the DHS explained, through continuous monitoring and whole genome sequencing.
This story is still in development. NBC15 will update it as more information becomes available.
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