BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The new and even more contagious strain of Covid-19 is appearing in more states across the country.
Although the new strain hasn't been identified in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker says there's no reason to believe it's not in the Bay State already.
New York is among the latest states to identify the new Covid-19 variant that was first discovered in the United Kingdom.
Baker says the CDC determines where the variant is located, but he and healthcare experts in Massachusetts are operating under the assumption that it's here.
"I mean there's no reason not to, given the contagious nature of this new variant," Baker said.
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He adds Covid-19 was already contagious to begin with but, "the new variant is considered to be far more contagious than the original Covid," Baker said.
Baker wants to reiterate to Massachusetts residents the importance of wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance, and staying vigilant. He also adds Massachusetts is starting to see an uptick of Covid-19 cases following Christmas and New Year's.
Baker called Thanksgiving a significant hit to Massachusetts's healthcare system and to the Commonwealth.
In November, the average age of Covid-19 patients in the hospital was 61 and on Tuesday, the average age is 73.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports
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