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A new variant of the coronavirus was discovered in New York in November and another in California in December. After initial investigations, scientists are now alarmed: both seem to be spreading rapidly.
Scientists are concerned about two variants of the coronavirus from the United States. Based on initial findings, a variant of the coronavirus discovered in the US state of California in December is likely more contagious than the original virus. This is reported by several US media. The variant named “B.1.427 / B.1.429” has so far spread mainly in California, but has also been found in other states and other countries around the world.
“I wish I had better news, that this variant is completely insignificant,” the New York Times quoted as quoting virologist Charles Chiu of the University of California, San Francisco. “But sadly, we just have to follow the results of science.” At least two scientific studies on the California variant have already been completed. They should be published soon.
New York: one of the four samples is a new variant
A new variant should also be broadcast in New York, US media report. It was discovered in November and now represents one of four samples examined in the metropolis, reports the New York Times. “This is not exactly good news,” said New York Times immunologist Michel Nussenzweig. “But it’s good to know, because then maybe we can do something about it.” Nussenzweig went on to say that the New York variant worries him more than the California variant.
The variant named “B.1.526” is said to have the same genetic modification as the South African variant. It is suspected of making the virus more contagious and resistant to existing vaccines. So far, two studies have examined this variant. One of them has already been published, the other has not yet. Scientific review is still pending for both.
