ANNAPOLIS, Md.- Governor Larry Hogan announced Saturday Maryland's first confirmed case of COVID-19 caused by the new B.1.351 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
It was confirmed by the Maryland Department of Health along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The B.1.351 variant does not cause more severe illness or increased risk of death when compared to other variants. However, the variant is believed to be more transmissible than other strains.
Additional research is still required to determine the effectiveness of available vaccines against the B.1.351 variant. However, initial evidence suggests that vaccines are still likely to be protective against it.
“State health officials are closely monitoring the B.1.351 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the state,” said Governor Hogan. “We strongly encourage Marylanders to practice extra caution to limit the additional risk of transmission associated with this variant. Please continue to practice standard public health and safety measures, including mask wearing, regular hand washing, and physical distancing.”
The case announced Saturday involves an adult living in the Baltimore metro region.
Community transmission is likely because the person had not traveled internationally recently.
Contact tracing is underway.