UK coronavirus variant found in two children, one adult in Alabama

A new strain of COVID-19 first found in the United Kingdom has been identified in one adult and two children in Alabama, the state’s Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.

The variant, first identified in the U.K. in late 2020, was found in two different Alabama counties: two cases in Montgomery County and one in Jefferson County.

The new strain, which has worried public health authorities because it is more contagious, has been identified in at least 24 U.S. states so far. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there isn’t evidence to support claims that the new coronavirus variants cause more serious illness or a higher risk of death.

Alabama is now under a “Safer at Home” order, set to remain active March 5 at 5 p.m.