A COVID-19 variant first seen aboard is now being seen more frequently in the Golden State.
Health officials say this strain is different from the B.1.1.7 variant that was first detected in the United Kingdom. The Department of Public Health notes the 452R variant has been found in 12 counties in California. Officials say the state is working with the CDC and public health departments to learn more about the variant and how it spreads. The 452R variant has been identified in several large outbreaks in Santa Clara County.
It's also been found in Humboldt, Lake, Los Angeles, Mono, Monterey, Orange, Riverside, San Francisco, San Bernardino, San Diego and San Luis Obispo counties.