PHOENIX – As Arizona and different states cope with a giant spike in COVID-19 circumstances, well being leaders are scrambling to evaluate the doable influence of a brand new pressure of COVID-19.
Associated: Omicron variant: What to know about the new COVID-19 strain
South African scientists recognized a brand new model of the coronavirus this week that they are saying is behind a current spike in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, the nation’s most populous province. It is unclear the place the brand new variant truly arose, nevertheless it was first detected by scientists in South Africa and has now been seen in vacationers to Belgium, Botswana, Hong Kong and Israel.
It seems to have a excessive variety of mutations — about 30 — within the coronavirus’ spike protein, which may have an effect on how simply it spreads to folks.
Sharon Peacock, who has led genetic sequencing of COVID-19 in Britain on the College of Cambridge, mentioned the info to this point recommend the brand new variant has mutations “in step with enhanced transmissibility,” however mentioned that “the importance of lots of the mutations continues to be not recognized.”
Lawrence Younger, a virologist on the College of Warwick, described omicron as “essentially the most closely mutated model of the virus we have now seen,” together with doubtlessly worrying adjustments by no means earlier than seen all in the identical virus.
On Nov. 26, President Joe Biden commented on his resolution to implement journey restrictions to try to stop the brand new variant from reaching the U.S.
Associated: US, Canada, EU, Japan restrict South Africa travel over Omicron variant
“We do not know so much concerning the variant besides that it’s of nice concern. It appears to unfold quickly,” mentioned President Biden. “I spent a couple of half hour this morning with my COVID Crew, led by Physician Fauci, and in order that was the choice we made.”
The journey restrictions go into impact on Monday, Nov. 29.
Arizona well being knowledgeable speaks out
On Nov. 26, Will Humble with the Arizona Public Well being Affiliation talked concerning the journey restrictions.
“Fairly truthfully, these journey restrictions are usually not a long-term resolution, and even an excellent midterm resolution,” mentioned Humble. “In my view, these are only a knee-jerk response.”
The variant is so new, there’s not a lot analysis accessible, aside from it’s extremely transmissible, and might presumably get across the immunity folks have constructed up to this point.
“The massive factor we have now not carried out is a police change, which might be to compel each Moderna and Pfizer to share their mental property, so different international locations could make their vaccines,” mentioned Humble.
The Related Press (AP) contributed to this report.
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