Nation's first case of Brazilian COVID variant found in Minnesota

Minnesota has identified the nation's first-known COVID-19 infection that involves a more contagious Brazilian coronavirus strain.

Genomic sequencing of lab samples from COVID-19 patients identified the Brazil P.1 variant in a Minnesota resident who recently traveled to Brazil, the Minnesota Department of Health reported on Monday.

State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said the discovery underscores the need for continued mask-wearing and social-distancing practices to limit transmission of COVID-19, which is spread by a coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2.

https://www.startribune.com/nation-s-first-brazil-viral-variant-found-in-minnesota/600015003/