Now In Georgia, New ‘Super Strain’ Poses Major Risk

Workers wear PPE as they administer COVID-19 tests. Georgia is among the states that have reported the more contagious strain that was discovered in Britain last month.

Ted S. Warren / AP Photo

Brenda Goodman is a senior news writer for WebMD. Andy Miller is editor of Georgia Health News. This article first appeared in WebMD.

After 10 months of masks, social distancing, virtual school, fear for vulnerable loved ones, and loneliness, this is the news no one wanted to hear: The virus that causes COVID-19 has changed — once again — in ways that make it more contagious.

At least one new “super strain” of the virus is already in the U.S. Another highly contagious strain from South Africa could be on its way.