BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - The UK strain of coronavirus has reached New York State, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The strain was confirmed in a man who works at N. Fox Jewelers in Saratoga Springs. The store has been closed since December 24.
The new strain of coronavirus has a higher transmission rate, which has concerned officials who are already struggling to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 despite various restrictions. Despite being more infectious, officials said the strain is not more deadly than the initial strain.
"The increased positivity is a problem and increased infection is a problem," Cuomo said. "The increased hospitalization rate is a game changer because if a hospital capacity is threatened in a region, then that region would have to close down. But that's not unique to New York, it's all around the country. 33 countries have this UK strain."
Three other employees tested positive for coronavirus, though it's not immediately clear if they have the new strain of coronavirus.
