NEW YORK — The first case of the Brazilian coronavirus variant has been found in the city, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday. 

According to a press release, the strain, which appears to be more contagious than earlier coronavirus variants, was identified by scientists at Mount Sinai hospital in a patient who’s a Brooklyn resident in their 90s with no travel history.

"The detection of the Brazilian variant here in New York further underscores the importance of taking all the appropriate steps to continue to protect your health," Cuomo said in a statement. "While it's normal for a virus to mutate, the best way to protect yourself is to continue to wear a well-fitted mask, avoid large crowds, social distance, wash your hands and get vaccinated when it's your turn."

State officials said the Brazilian variant, known as P.1, was first detected in the United States at the end of January. Health officials believe it is highly contagious and can lead to more severe cases. Initially officials believed it was also more resistant to vaccines, but "researchers at the University of Oxford recently released non-peer reviewed data that indicates the P.1 variant may be less resistant to the current vaccines than originally thought," the press release said. 

City health officials have in recent weeks been sounding the alarm about other variants spreading in the five boroughs as they've criticized the governor for loosening coronavirus restrictions.