New coronavirus variant discovered in Wisconsin

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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Samuel Cohn gets a COVID-19 test administered by a member of the Wisconsin National Guard at a COVID-19 test center set up at Miller Park on November 17, 2020 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin recently reported a

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(FOX 9) - The state of Wisconsin said it has discovered the new COVID-19 variant.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the strain, referred to as B.1.1.7, was identified in a Wisconsin patient Jan. 12.

Independent pharmacies wait for direction for COVID-19 vaccine rollout

New numbers show Minnesota has used just 37 percent of its COVID-19 vaccine allotment. Some local pharmacies say they want to do more, but can't due to lack of communication from the state.

The strain was first discovered circulating in England in November and December of 2020. Researchers believe it spreads more easily than the original COVID-19 strain. There is no evidence, however, that it is more severe or increases the risk of death.

"We already know that COVID-19 is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets, and with this new variant appearing to be even more infectious, taking preventative measures like wearing a mask and physically distancing are even more important," said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm.

State Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Westergaard said a mutation like this was "expected" and "not unusual."

Earlier this week, the state of Minnesota also identified the variant in its state.