Since June, researchers have been monitoring a new variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Europe. It has been detected on mink farms and is still spreading.
Some are concerned that vaccines in development will not stop not be effective against it. More, they fear vaccines may be difficult to develop to stop it.
We reported a few days ago steps European countries are taking to halt the spread of the new strain. However, plans to cull millions of mink on farms has just been put on hold.
It is also reported that some parts of Northern Europe are on lockdown to stop this specific variant from spreading.
Both Scientific American and the New York Times have reported on this recently.
Masks remain a key strategy to reduce the spread. Here are the key mask messages to halt COVID-19:
Masks Telegraph a Key Health Message
A mask is a health message. Wearing one telegraphs an important health message.
A mask reminds the person wearing it that the virus is serious. It also reminds others of the same message, too. In some settings such as schools, masks remain key.
Masks Protect the Person Wearing the Mask
Masks help protect us from the virus. This is key.
Masks Protect Others, too
Masks also protect others if we have the virus. It can be days before symptoms appear. Yet, you could still spread it. Also, some people carry the virus but never experience symptoms themselves.
Please wear a mask. And encourage others, too.
Illustration by Harryarts