Florida reports the first case of coronavirus with a more infectious British strain

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health reported Thursday night that a Florida man was infected with the most infectious coronavirus strain first detected in the UK.

The case of the British variant is not related to travel and involves a man in his twenties living in Martin County, officials announced on Twitter on New Year’s Eve.

The FDOH is collaborating with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the case. Colorado health officials reported Tuesday the first case unrelated to trips to the U.S. California reported the second confirmed case Wednesday.

The World Health Organization reported that scientists first detected the British variant in September. Scientists are still investigating the variant, but there is consensus that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are still effective.

Public health officials are asking the public to wear a face mask, to wash their hands often, and to have social distance.