Despite the decline, officials say it s important for people to remain vigilant. Presence of this variant does not change the need to wear your mask, socially distance, stay home while sick and wash your hands, county Director of Public Information Vincent Azzarelli said.
The first reported case of U.K. variant was identified by New York state on Jan. 4 in Saratoga County.
Since then, cases have been confirmed in several counties in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, including Tompkins, Broome, Allegany and Delaware.
Statewide, the number of active cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to drop, although there are concerns the U.K. variant could fuel a new wave of the virus in the coming weeks and months.
COVID-19 UK variant identified in Chemung County for first time stargazette.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stargazette.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.