COVID-19 variant turns up in Maine for the first time

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A variant of COVID-19 that was first discovered in the United Kingdom has been detected in Maine, state health authorities said Wednesday.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention said a Maine resident developed symptoms this month and tested positive for COVID-19 before a sample was sent to an independent laboratory. The Maine CDC, which is monitoring for COVID-19 variants, was then notified of the results.

The variant has now been detected in more than two-thirds of the states, Maine CDC said.

The Maine CDC said the person who tested positive for the variant is a resident of Franklin County and has a history of recent international travel. The person and other household members who tested positive for COVID-19 are isolating, Maine CDC said.

Close contacts of the person are being notified and will be required to quarantine, Maine CDC said.

“Given the number of cases already detected in other states, we expected the variant to arrive in Maine and have been on the lookout for it,” Maine CDC director Dr. Nirav Shah said. “It is more important than ever that Maine people remain vigilant in taking the steps that prevent the spread of COVID-19 – wearing face coverings, staying at least 6 feet apart, avoiding gatherings, and washing hands frequently.”

Maine CDC said it’s in contact with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the discovery.

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