Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

February 17, 2021

Early Introductions and Community Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.7 in the United States

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[Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] Using combined data from UK air travel into US airports, SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing, and clinical diagnostics, a study found evidence for multiple independent introductions of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant (first described in the UK) into the US, many of which have led to sustained community transmission. The authors conclude that the high number of B.1.1.7 sequences supports the prediction, based on incoming air passenger volumes from the UK, that New York, California, and Florida would be at highest risk for importation. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that New York acted as a hub for B.1.1.7 importation and spread to other states, and the study found evidence for community transmission of B.1.1.7 in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Illinois during January, 2021. 

Alpert et al. (Feb 2021). Early Introductions and Community Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.7 in the United States. Pre-print downloaded Feb 17 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.10.21251540