UK coronavirus variant confirmed at UW
SEATTLE - Weeks after the United Kingdom coronavirus variant was found in King and Snohomish Counties, the University of Washington confirmed that a student has tested positive for the new variant.
UW said the variant was detected from a student's coronavirus test in late January.
The student had a small number of close contacts and those people have been notified.
"The student is doing well and out of their isolation period, and I want to thank them for following appropriate health practices and contacting EH&S," the college said in a statement.
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UW also cautioned students against traveling and meeting with a large group of people over spring break.
The UK variant is 30%–50% more contagious than the coronavirus variant most prevalent in western Washington, UW officials said. Since it's more contagious. it takes less exposure for someone to become infected.