(CNN) Thousands of cases of the B.1.1.7 variant have been reported across the US, and experts fear the strain may fuel another Covid-19 surge as states race to vaccinate more residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 11,500 cases of the variant -- but the agency has said the number is likely larger. Whitmer said the variants, combined with ongoing pandemic fatigue and more travel, are behind the state's worrying trends. New Jersey officials also noted the B.1.1.7 variant as they reported a rise in cases and hospitalizations and warned the numbers could stay high into the summer. "We want to get ahead of the more aggressive COVID-19 variants and make sure that we fill every available appointment."

Source: CNN April 01, 2021 06:33 UTC