According to this article on WebMD, California has their own variant of COVID.
https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20210120/californias_own_covid_variant_raises_new_fears
According to the article, The California variant, and some others that have recently been identified circulating in Ohio and near Houston, are still under study. Viruses mutate all the time. During the pandemic, the coronavirus has changed itself many times. These variants can become a problem if they’re better at infecting humans and if they create defenses against vaccines.
Studies show the new variant became more common in California as cases there surged. The coincidence has researchers wondering whether it might be responsible for the recent rise in cases, though more study is needed.
Ms. Jenn Landers | Patient Advocate Alliance LLC Edited by Dr. Justin Groode