Another variant of the coronavirus, known as L452R, is being detected more and more in California.
That's according to the California Department of Public Health and UCSF, who on Sunday evening announced this new strain of COVID-19 has been detected in Northern California, in San Francisco, Humboldt, Lake, Monterey and Santa Clara counties more frequently.
This is not the same, more-infectious strain of COVID-19 first seen in the United Kingdom, which is known as B.1.1.7.
Instead, L452R was linked in several large outbreaks in Santa Clara County, and whether or not it is more easily spread than the first COVID-19 strain is not yet clear, officials said.
“The fact that this variant was identified in several large outbreaks in our county is a red flag and must be investigated further,” said Santa Clara County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody in a statement. “This virus continues to mutate and adapt, and we cannot let down our guard. This news underscores the need for everyone to follow all prevention measures and get vaccinated as soon as they are offered the vaccine.”
It has also been detected in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino and San Luis Obispo counties.
The health department and UCSF said they are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about the variant and how it spreads.
— Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez (@FitztheReporter)