Georgia reports first case of COVID-19 variant found in Brazil

ATLANTA — Georgia has reported the first case of a COVID-19 variant found in Brazil, according to the state Department of Public Health.

This comes after Gov. Brian Kemp expanded vaccine eligibility Tuesday to all Georgians over 16-years-old starting Thursday, March 25.

According to a report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the case was found in Newton County.

According to the state Department of Public Health, there are a total of 367 confirmed COVID cases with variants statewide; 351 cases with the U.K. variant (B.1.1.7), 15 cases with the South Africa variant (B.1.351), and one case with the Brazil variant (P.1).

Public health officials encourage anyone with signs or symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection.