Doctor: More contagious COVID-19 variant likely already in Vermont

The new, more contagious variant of the coronavirus is likely already in Vermont, the president of the University of Vermont Medical Center said.

Dr. Stephen Leffler said that residents should not be surprised if the first case is confirmed within the next five to 10 days, WCAX-TV reported. The new variant is more infectious than earlier strains of the virus, but is not more deadly, he said at a Burlington city press conference on Wednesday.

Vermont reported 214 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, the second-highest total since the pandemic began in March, according to Department of Health data.

The latest wave of cases comes 13 days after Christmas, and as state officials worry about Vermont’s rising cases and high rates among its neighboring states.

— Associated Press and VtDigger