Fauci: The COVID-19 variant strain "very likely" has appeared in the United States

"It's certainly possible. I mean, when you have such a large amount of transmission in the UK, you really need to assume that the virus variant is already in the US, of course it is not the dominant virus strain, but if it is already here , I am not surprised at all," Fauci said.

On December 21, Fauci had stated that he did not recommend that the United States ban flights from the United Kingdom.

Regarding the discovery of a more contagious variant of the new coronavirus in the UK, Fauci said the US should undoubtedly pay close attention to this, but it does not need to "overreact." At present, the CDC has no suggestions on banning British flights.