PHILADELPHIA - A rare but more contagious strain of COVID-19 that's believed to have originated in the United Kingdom has been detected for the first time in Montgomery County, health officials announced on Wednesday.
The patient, a 30-year-old bartender, worked a double shift at a local bar and restaurant the day before becoming symptomatic, according to health officials.
He tested positive for coronavirus on Jan. 15 and a state lab later detected the UK variant.County health officials said he experienced mild symptoms commonly associated with the COVID-19 disease.
County chairwoman Dr. Valerie Arkoosh said she does not believe the patient required hospitalization. He had no travel history.FULL COVERAGE: CORONAVIRUS"This is just a reminder.