Despite the decline, officials say it's important for people to remain vigilant. "Presence of this variant does not change the need to wear your mask, socially distance, stay home while sick and wash your hands," county Director of Public Information Vincent Azzarelli said. The first reported case of U.K. variant was identified by New York state on Jan. 4 in Saratoga County. Since then, cases have been confirmed in several counties in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, including Tompkins, Broome, Allegany and Delaware. Statewide, the number of active cases and hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to drop, although there are concerns the U.K. variant could fuel a new wave of the virus in the coming weeks and months.