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BOSTON (WHDH) – The threat of a new, apparently more contagious variant of the coronavirus is raising concerns in Massachusetts.
The variant, known as B117, has now been detected in Florida, Colorado and California.
Health experts across the country are tracking and monitoring the potential spread.
Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, says he doesn’t want people to be alarmed by the new variant, but rather to be aware of it.
“I don’t think Californians should think this is anything strange,” he said after the variant was detected in the state. “This is something that is expected. We will likely see reports from other states. “
Massachusetts doctors say it shouldn’t be a surprise if the new strain is already circulating in Bay State.
“It’s not something that should cause panic, but it’s something people should take seriously,” said Dr. Shira Doron, an epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center.
The variant was first discovered in the UK and health experts say it doesn’t appear to be deadlier or cause more serious illness.
With COVID-19 cases soaring across the country, Doron says everyone should remember the basics.
“Now is not the time to travel,” she said. “Now is not the time to get together with people outside your home. Now is not the time to forget your masks, your hand hygiene. We have to really do all of these things now more than ever, knowing that we now have a light at the end of the tunnel.
Nearly 80,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine were administered in Bay State on Tuesday, according to the state’s COVID-19 Weekly Vaccination Report.
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