SAN ANTONIO – The first known cases of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant have been identified in two residents of Bexar County, Metro Health officials said. The results of genetic sequencing this week showed that their infection was caused by the UK variant strain. According to studies, this UK variant does not seem to cause a more severe illness. At this time, there are very few cases caused by this UK variant in the United States. Related Stories:Health expert says San Antonio ‘could be in for a world of hurt’ with COVID-19 variantsFirst case of UK COVID-19 variant confirmed in Austin-Travis County