The U.K. COVID-19 strain has officially arrived in Pennsylvania, but health officials say it has likely been here a while.

"We'll be watching that very very closely," said Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania Secretary of Health. "It is not unexpected that we would see cases of the variant."

The first confirmed case of the U.K. COVID-19 strain was announced Thursday. About five other states have reported cases of the variant in their borders.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.K. variant was first detected in September of 2020 in England.

"This variant seems to spread more easily and quickly than other variants," noted the CDC's website. "Currently, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or increased risk of death."

On Thursday, 63 county residents were confirmed to have COVID-19, and nine residents were reported dead due to the virus, according to an update by the Department of Health.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, 6,854 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 and 225 residents have died because of the virus

The following numbers on the coronavirus pandemic were compiled from regular news releases from the state Department of Health.COVID-19 statistics from Thursday are:Butler CountyConfirmed cases: 6,854Probable cases: 3,495Negative tests: 39,797Deaths: 225PennsylvaniaNew cases: 9,698Total cases: 693,087New deaths: 265Total deaths: 17,179Recovered: 72%Surrounding CountiesAllegheny: 47,237 confirmed cases; 11,135 negative; and 1,118 deathsArmstrong: 3,078 confirmed cases; 12,714 negative; and 76 deathsBeaver: 7,930 confirmed cases; 38,503 negative; and 269 deathsClarion: 1,453 confirmed cases; 6,379 negative; and 50 deathsLawrence: 3,571 confirmed cases; 14,880 negative; and 135 deathsMercer: 5,219 confirmed cases; 22,611 negative; and 154 deathsVenango: 2,149 confirmed cases; 8,831 negative; and 55 deathsWestmoreland: 15,558 confirmed cases; 75,061 negative; and 465 deaths.