Last week the WI Department of Health Services announced that a new SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.7) was found in WI. It is not known how widespread it is but it is in WI. This variant strain was first found in the UK and has been found to be easily transmitted, more so than the wild strain of SARS-CoV-2. It has not been associated with an increased death rate and so far it looks like the vaccine still provides protection against it.
Mutations in viruses are common, this was not unexpected. It will be monitored but doesn't change anything to do with our response. Since it is easier to transmit make sure to be following social distancing & masking to help protect yourself and your family.