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 that was first detected in the United Kingdom.

The case of the British version is not related to travel and involves a 20-year-old man who lives in Martin County, officials announced on Twitter on New Year’s Eve.

FDOH is working with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate the case. Colorado health officials reported Tuesday the first case unrelated to trips to the United States. California reported the second case confirmed Wednesday.

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

Public health officials ask the public to wear a face mask, to wash their hands often and at a social distance.