Two cases of the new COVID-19 variant originally found in the United Kingdom have been confirmed in Connecticut.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday both cases were found in two patients in New Haven County.

State experts say that the strain is not more deadly but because it is more transmissible, it could lead to more hospitalizations.

State health officials say Connecticut is prepared in terms of hospital beds since the strain is not as high on the system as the first wave last spring.

Lamont says that both patients infected with the new variant are between the ages of 15 and 25 and both have traveled outside the state - one to Ireland and the other to New York.

State health officials warn that there is most likely widespread community transmission.

Dr. Albert Ko from the Yale School of Medicine says this strain is between 50 and 60% more transmissible.

Lamont said acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Health Deidre Gifford estimates "that the vast majority of the infections there now are related to the highly infectious strain and if you're infected here in Connecticut, good chance you're part of that highly infectious strain."

Officials are urging residents to wear masks, socially distance and take isolation and quarantine seriously.