As the state approaches its first weekend since the mask mandate was lifted officials have identified a new, more contagious COVID-19 variant in Dallas County.
Dallas County Health officials say now is not the time to let your guard down and stop following safety precautions like wearing a mask, even though Governor Abbott rescinded the mask order.
Abbott said lifting the mandate it didn't mean people should stop following safety precautions altogether.
And now a new COVID-19 variant has been reported in Dallas County so health officials say it's extra important to keep being cautious.
This is the variant that originated in New York City. It's known as B-1-526, and it's highly contagious.
Officials say the strain has been reported in a young man, in his 20s, who doesn't have a history of travel outside Dallas County.
This particular variant is still rare in Texas, in fact this is only the the third known case.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins says several cases of the highly contagious B-1-1-7 variant, the one that began in the UK, have also been reported in Dallas County.
