Coronavirus cases began to rise this week as a new variant began making waves with a significant increase in hospitalizations due to the virus.
The alternative is called BA.2.86 was discovered for the first time In the United States, Denmark and Israel last week. Additional cases were detected in the UK that were largely similar to the sample in Denmark.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a risk assessment for the virus. According to the existing data, the current tests used to detect the new variant and the drugs used to treat it remain effective.
BA.2.86 may be more likely to cause infection in people who were previously infected infected with COVID-19 or receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC remains confident that the updated COVID-19 vaccine will remain effective against this newer strain, in addition, the updated vaccine will remain effective in reducing severe disease symptoms and hospitalization.
At this point, there is no evidence that this variant causes more serious disease. This assessment may change as additional scientific data is developed. And the CDC announced at the end of its risk assessment that it would “share more as we know more.” “.
CBS reported that COVID hospital admissions are up 22% this week and that they are expected to continue to rise, with COVID admissions to Georgia hospitals up 30%.
Back to mask mandates?
Many American institutions have begun to return to work Mask states As a result of the new strain infection.
Morris Brown College in Atlanta has announced that it will re-enforce mask-wearing as well as limit event sizes and resume efforts to trace infections.
Lionsgate Movie Studios in Los Angeles also announced a return to mask mandates, and a re-mandation for its employees in offices, after a large number of employees tested positive, according to CBS.
It remains to be seen if efforts to get Americans back into masks will work, though, as US public health officials have begun calling for people to start wearing masks this week as a precaution.