On Monday (Jan. 25) the Minnesota Department of Health reported the first known U.S. case of a new COVID-19 virus. According to reports, this new strain appears to be more contagious than the one that already exists.
The Minnesota resident who caught the strain contracted the virus after traveling to Brazil. According to Minnesota Health officials, they first began to feel symptoms during the first week of New Years’. It was later confirmed on Jan. 9 that the individual had contracted the virus.
The news comes after President Joe Biden extended travels bans to and from Europe, United Kingdom, and Brazil in order to decrease the spread of the new strand of coronavirus.
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Minnesota state epidemiologist, Dr. Ruth Lynfield echoed the travel restrictions and guidelines as well.
“If you must travel, it is important to watch for symptoms of COVID-19, follow public health guidance on getting tested prior to travel, use careful protective measures during travel, and quarantine and get tested after travel.”