A new strain of coronavirus, one that is said to be more contagious, has caused 40 countries to place travel restrictions on the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also issued an emergency lockdown in London and parts of southeastern England.

The COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 was found in Colorado, the first in the nation, and was brought to the CDC’s attention by the Colorado State Laboratory. The male Colorado patient diagnosed with the strain is in his 20s with no travel history. Similar to this case, a Canadian couple also tested positive for the new strain of the virus.

“There is a lot we don’t know about this new COVID-19 variant, but scientists in the United Kingdom are warning the world that it is significantly more contagious. The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority and we will closely monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators, very closely. We are working to prevent spread and contain the virus at all levels,” Polis said. “I want to thank our scientists and dedicated medical professionals for their swift work and ask Coloradans to continue our efforts to prevent disease transmission by wearing masks, standing six feet apart when gathering with others, and only interacting with members of their immediate household.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci has stated a week ago that the mutated virus has most likely already made its way into the U.S. Luckily, he also adds that the current two vaccines being distributed, Moderna and Pfizer, should still be effective.