ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Gov. Larry Hogan says Maryland has confirmed its first two cases of the U.K. coronavirus variant.
.@MDHealthDept has confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in Maryland residents caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 variant strain known as B-117.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) January 12, 2021
Read the full news release: https://t.co/2VXFI9Wxv2
Hogan made the announcement at the beginning of a news conference on Tuesday.
The governor says he had just learned of the cases and didn't have many details. He says the cases were confirmed in a couple who live in Anne Arundel County.
One of them had traveled to multiple continents. They are quarantining at home with two of their children.
Hogan says Maryland is conducting contract tracing to learn of any contacts they have had with others.
Scientists believe the variant is more contagious than previously identified strains.
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