First Case Of 'UK Variant' Coronavirus Found In New Hampshire

CONCORD, NH — State health officials announced that New Hampshire has its first case of the "UK variant" of the COVID-19-coronavirus.

The adult, who lives in Hillsborough County, had close contact with someone who traveled internationally and was diagnosed with COVID-19. The person did not travel themselves; but the detection of the variant virus is being associated with international travel for this reason, according to the State Joint Information Center.

"The presence of a COVID-19 variant in New Hampshire is not surprising, and we will likely see increasing numbers of infections from the B.1.1.7 variant," Dr. Benjamin Chan, the state epidemiologist, said. "The CDC has estimated that the variant will likely become the predominant circulating variant in the U.S. in the near future. The best way to avoid exposure to this highly contagious variant is to wear a mask, social distance, and frequent hand washing. We continue to recommend that any person with new or unexplained symptoms of COVID-19 be tested for COVID-19."

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Health officials said contact tracing has identified "close household contacts" but "no other community exposures." Isolation, quarantine, and testing guidance was followed — including testing of all close household contacts to identify any asymptomatic infection. As a result, "there is not believed to be risk to the community from this case," the state said.

State health officials are asking the public to work toward containing community spread by doing the following:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid close contact with others. When outside your home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. This is known as social distancing.
• Wear a cloth face covering that covers your mouth and nose to protect others when in public areas.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Infection about new COVID-19 variants, visit this website.

For more information on COVID-19 in New Hampshire, visit the DHHS COVID-19 webpage here.

Information on how to access the COVID-19 vaccine is available here.

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