What is already known about this topic? A more highly transmissible Variants of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.7, has been detected in 10 U.S. states.

What is added by this report? Modeling data indicate that B.1.1.7 has the potential to increase the U.S. pandemic trajectory in the coming months. CDC’s system for genomic Surveillance and the effort to expand sequencing will increase the availability of timely U.S. genomic Surveillance data.

What are the implications for public health practice? The increased transmissibility of the B.1.1.7 Variants warrants universal and increased compliance with mitigation strategies, including distancing and masking. Higher vaccination coverage might need to be achieved to protect the public. Genomic sequence Analysis through the National SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance program will enable a targeted approach to identifying Variantss of concern in the United States

On December 14, 2020, the United Kingdom reported a SARS-CoV-2 Variants of concern (VOC), lineage B.1.1.7, also referred to as VOC 202012/01 or 20I/501Y.V1.* The B.1.1.7 Variants is estimated to have emerged in September 2020 and has quickly become the dominant circulating SARS-CoV-2 Variants in England (1). B.1.1.7 has been detected in over 30 countries, including the United States As of January 13, 2021, approximately 76 cases of B.1.1.7 have been detected in 10 U.S. states.† Multiple lines of evidence indicate that B.1.1.7 is more efficiently transmitted than are other SARS-CoV-2 Variantss (1–3). The modeled trajectory of this Variants in the U.S. exhibits rapid growth in early 2021, becoming the predominant Variants in March. Increased SARS-CoV-2 Transmission might threaten strained health care resources, require extended and more rigorous implementation of public health strategies (4), and increase the percentage of population immunity required for pandemic control. Taking measures to reduce Transmission now can lessen the potential impact of B.1.1.7 and allow critical time to increase vaccination coverage. Collectively, enhanced genomic Surveillance combined with continued compliance with effective public health measures, including vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine, will be essential to limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the Virus that causes coronaVirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Strategic tTesting of persons without symptoms but at higher risk of infection, such as those exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or who have frequent unavoidable contact with the public, provides another opportunity to limit ongoing spread.

Suggested citation for this article: Galloway SE, Paul P, MacCannell DR, et al. Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Lineage — United States, December 29, 2020–January 12, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. ePub: 15 January 2021.

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