STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — The new COVID-19 variant, known as B.1.1.7, was first detected in the United States in a Colorado National Guard member Dec. 29 in Elbert County. There are now three confirmed cases in the state, with a second National Guard member in Elbert County confirmed, and a third case confirmed Thursday in a staff member at the Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons in Aurora. Another staff member in the same facility has a possible case, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). As of Friday, the variant had been found in eight states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).