The United States of America might be on the verge of facing yet another surge in the COVID-19 cases, warns the head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Rochelle Walensky. She has been alarmed by the recent data recorded. The cases have spiked again to over 70,000 per day. The number of deaths has also touched the 2000 mark.
The recent surge in cases depicts that the new variants are spreading fast and if not prevented, all the relief efforts will go in vain. The COVID-19 variants are the real threat as of now. If the situation persists, then the USA might have to deal with another year like 2020.
There are different variants of the COVID-19 present in the country. The most contagious UK variant, B.1.1.7 was predicted to become the most dominant strain in the US, and sadly this seems to be true. There are variants exported from Brazil and South Africa that have affected the residents in certain regions of the country. The doctors are really concerned about the prevailing situation.
Dr. Walensky has released in the statement that they can stop the fourth surge across the country, by keeping the conviction strong and keep on practicing the protective measures defined by the government.
Do the new variants pose a serious threat to the US?
With vaccines now available, it was projected that the number of new cases would decrease by the end of January. As more people got vaccinated, the rate started to drop, relieving the health system. But the new deadly variants have emerged. Approximately, 2463 cases have been recorded. Out of which 2400 are infected by the UK variant. According to the CDC, the actual figures can be much more than recorded.
Scientists are affirmative that the vaccines will be effective against the new variant stains, but this still needs to be tested. There is no evidence that the newer strains of the COVID-19 trigger grave illness, but the spread is definitely faster as compared to the parent variant.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine got approved on Saturday and will be distributed immediately across the country. Approximately 3.9 million doses will be distributed, in view to accelerate the vaccination process.
