Re: Latest on the Corona Virus
Brazil variant of coronavirus detected in US for first time
While all viruses mutate over time, some variants of the novel coronavirus are worrying scientists.
Several strains appear to be more transmissible than other variants, scientists say.
One from Brazil was discovered recently in a US patient, officials in Minnesota said. They said the person had traveled from Brazil. It is the first known case of the P.1 variant reaching the United States.
"The emergence of this variant raises concerns of a potential increase in transmissibility or propensity for SARS-CoV-2 re-infection of individuals," the CDC says on its website.
There's no evidence it causes more severe disease, however.
Another strain, first discovered in the United Kingdom, is also more transmissible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that the country could see "rapid growth" in its spread in early 2021. This B.1.1.7 strain has already been detected in more than 20 US states.
And there's "a realistic possibility" that B.1.1.7 could be deadlier than other variants, a UK report said.
Another strain, first detected in South Africa, is concerning because scientists have said current Covid-19 vaccines might not be as effective against it.
Moderna said it's developing a new Covid-19 booster vaccine to protect against the variant first spotted in South Africa. The company plans to first test the vaccine in the lab and in a small Phase 1 clinical trial in the US.
First, the good news: In 48 states, the averages of new Covid-19 cases have dropped significantly over the past seven days. And every state improved its rate of vaccinations.
Now the bad news: The US is still averaging more than 170,000 new infections a day. And Covid-19 has killed an average of 3,088 people a day over the past week in the US -- more deaths each day than the 9/11 attacks.
January is on track to be Covid-19's deadliest month in the US.
At least 73,259 deaths have been reported this month, according to the most recent data from Johns Hopkins University. That's more than one death every 30 seconds.
Fewer than 1% of all Americans have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, according to CDC data.
Some people have started wearing two masks at once. When asked whether that would help, Dr. Anthony Fauci told NBC's "Today" show that it probably would.
"I mean, this is a physical covering to prevent droplets and virus to get in," said Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
"So if you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on, it just makes common sense that it likely would be more effective. And that's the reason why you see people either double masking or doing a version of an N95."
N95 respirators have been in high demand and short supply throughout the pandemic. The Biden administration has committed to invoking the Defense Production Act more often to boost the manufacturing of N95 masks and other critical supplies.
California lifts regional stay-at-home orders
In a sign of progress, one of hardest hit states is lifting regional stay-at-home orders
Brazil variant of coronavirus detected in US for first time
While all viruses mutate over time, some variants of the novel coronavirus are worrying scientists.
Several strains appear to be more transmissible than other variants, scientists say.
One from Brazil was discovered recently in a US patient, officials in Minnesota said. They said the person had traveled from Brazil. It is the first known case of the P.1 variant reaching the United States.
"The emergence of this variant raises concerns of a potential increase in transmissibility or propensity for SARS-CoV-2 re-infection of individuals," the CDC says on its website.
There's no evidence it causes more severe disease, however.
Another strain, first discovered in the United Kingdom, is also more transmissible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that the country could see "rapid growth" in its spread in early 2021. This B.1.1.7 strain has already been detected in more than 20 US states.
And there's "a realistic possibility" that B.1.1.7 could be deadlier than other variants, a UK report said.
Another strain, first detected in South Africa, is concerning because scientists have said current Covid-19 vaccines might not be as effective against it.
Moderna said it's developing a new Covid-19 booster vaccine to protect against the variant first spotted in South Africa. The company plans to first test the vaccine in the lab and in a small Phase 1 clinical trial in the US.
First, the good news: In 48 states, the averages of new Covid-19 cases have dropped significantly over the past seven days. And every state improved its rate of vaccinations.
Now the bad news: The US is still averaging more than 170,000 new infections a day. And Covid-19 has killed an average of 3,088 people a day over the past week in the US -- more deaths each day than the 9/11 attacks.
January is on track to be Covid-19's deadliest month in the US.
At least 73,259 deaths have been reported this month, according to the most recent data from Johns Hopkins University. That's more than one death every 30 seconds.
Fewer than 1% of all Americans have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, according to CDC data.
Some people have started wearing two masks at once. When asked whether that would help, Dr. Anthony Fauci told NBC's "Today" show that it probably would.
"I mean, this is a physical covering to prevent droplets and virus to get in," said Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
"So if you have a physical covering with one layer, you put another layer on, it just makes common sense that it likely would be more effective. And that's the reason why you see people either double masking or doing a version of an N95."
N95 respirators have been in high demand and short supply throughout the pandemic. The Biden administration has committed to invoking the Defense Production Act more often to boost the manufacturing of N95 masks and other critical supplies.
California lifts regional stay-at-home orders
In a sign of progress, one of hardest hit states is lifting regional stay-at-home orders
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