More contagious COVID strain identified in Tennessee

Tennessee health officials have identified a more contagious variant of the novel coronavirus, known as B117, within the state, and are warning that it could accelerate outbreaks just as they show signs of abating. 

Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said Friday she expects the mutation to be the predominant strain in Tennessee by March. Notably, she said there is not yet evidence that the variant increases severity of disease or risk of death in those who get it, and both vaccines that have received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration seem to be effective in preventing illness.