The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted the possibility that travel from Great Britain could bring a newly identified coronavirus strain to the U.S.
But the CDC said more research is necessary to determine whether the strain is easier to transmit than other versions of the virus, according to Politico. European officials have said the variant could be up to 70% more transmissible.
"CDC is following the situation closely and actively assessing the implications of the new variant and response options with respect to international travel," the agency said in a statement.
"At this time, there is no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness or increased risk of death," the CDC said in a scientific brief on the British strain.
The CDC also noted no evidence exists to suggest the new strain could reduce the effectiveness of either of the two vaccines currently available in the U.S.
Politico noted that most of those who have been in the U.K. within the last two weeks are already barred by the CDC from entering the U.S. But there are exceptions, including those who are U.S. citizens or holders of green cards.
But experts say the new strain is most likely already in the U.S.
"I would not be surprised if it's already here," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, citing the prominence of international travel, especially between the two countries. "When we start to look for it, we're going to find it."
Jeffrey Rodack ✉
Jeffrey Rodack, who has nearly a half century in news as a senior editor and city editor for national and local publications, has covered politics for Newsmax for nearly seven years.
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