2 cases of UK coronavirus variant reported in Kentucky The new variant raises the stakes for Kentucky’s vaccine rollout just as the federal government has promised more doses. More than 22 states have reported cases of the UK variant, with Kentucky being the latest. (Source: Houston Dept. of Health via CNN) By Brian Planalp | January 26, 2021 at 6:31 PM EST - Updated January 26 at 6:48 PM FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX19) - Kentucky has two confirmed cases of the COVID-19 variant from the United Kingdom, according to Gov. Andy Beshear. The UK variant spreads more aggressively. There is no scientific consensus on whether it is more deadly. The UK’s chief scientist says that’s possible, though it remains to be seen whether observed increases in mortality are rather due to an overburdened healthcare system.