Since January, we have been reporting on a new, powerful strain that is more lethal than earlier COVID-19 variants.
CNN recently reported that the British strain, known as the “B.1.1.7 variant”, is quickly taking over. They report that it may account for as many as 30-40% of all new infections COVID-19 in the Inited States. And that is in just over two months!
In fact, a recent scientific study argues that at 64% more it is 64% more fatal than strains that infected millions a year ago.
And many are taking the pandemic less seriously also.
More, it appears that it spreads faster and easier than the earlier variants, too.
The good news is that the vaccines currently being administered provide a strong defense against the strain. These key findings underscore that vaccinations are more critical than ever.
Finding Vaccination Locations
A good tool to find and schedule vaccinations is: VaccineFinder.org
Looking to get vaccinated but can’t get an appointment, asks the Dr.B website? They have a solution. Join their standby list.
Post-Vaccination
Even after vaccinated, you are still asked to follow the key safety steps. On March 8, the CDC loosened its guidelines somewhat. Here are their recommendations:
For now, the CDC is asking vaccinated individuals to still where masks and follow other safety steps in public spaces. However, they loosened their standards in other circumstances. They include:
- Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or staying 6 feet apart.
- Visit with unvaccinated people from one other household indoors without wearing masks or staying 6 feet apart if everyone in the other household is at low risk for severe disease.
- Refrain from quarantine and testing if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19 after contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Illustration by Natasha Remarchuk