First UK variant COVID-19 cases confirmed in Delaware

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Public Health announced on Friday that there are now three confirmed cases of the UK variant of COVID-19 in the first state.

This variant is the same one that was discovered in England in December and is commonly referred to as the UK variant. Delaware is now one of 26 states reporting cases of this varient.

We’re told all three individuals are from New Castle County and share a household. All tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month and involved two adults between the ages of 35 and 64, as well as a child under the age of 10. All three had mild symptoms.

Officials say these individuals had no known travel exposure, but may have been exposed while attending family gatherings with persons who live in other states where the variant has been identified. It was reported that the people at the gathering did not consistently wear face coverings or socially distance from one another for long periods of time. Contact tracing is underway to identify, inform, and monitor anyone who was in close contact with these individuals.

“While we understand that people may be concerned, it’s important to know that while preliminary data suggests this variant may spread more easily and quickly than SARS-CoV-2, it is not clear if it may cause more severe illness than the more common coronavirus. It is not entirely surprising news that it is now in Delaware as this variant has appeared in neighboring states over the last month,” said Dr. DPH Director Karyl Rattay. “Our approach and treatments are not any different, but as this new variant is more contagious, it is even more important that we remain vigilant and continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus – wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid gatherings.”