WINNIPEG – The COVID-19 variant, which was first detected in the UK, has made its way to Manitoba.

Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer, says the B117 variant was discovered in a person who travelled internationally.

This is the eighth province to detect the variant which scientists say is more transmissible and maybe more deadly.

The discovery of the variant didn’t stop Roussin from announcing a further loosening of his public health orders on Friday.