Ohio researchers discover new strain of COVID-19

The United States has again hit a record high for coronavirus deaths. More than 4,300 Americans died from the virus on Tuesday. As the pace of vaccinations accelerates, with nearly a million shots Delivered on Tuesday, a possible new strain of coronavirus emerged in Ohio.

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new variant that carries a mutation identical to the strain found in the UK, but which was likely already present in the US. dangerous strain from UK was detected in 11 states.

The researchers said they also found another American strain with three other genetic mutations that had not been seen before. The strain with three new mutations was more prominent in Columbus in recent weeks, they said.

“In addition, like the British strain, mutations in the Columbus strain are likely to make the virus more infectious, which will facilitate the transmission of the virus from person to person,” the university said in a statement from press Wednesday.

Peter Mohler, co-author of the study, said there was no evidence showing that coronavirus vaccines will be less effective against the new mutations.

“At this point, we have no data to suggest that these mutations will have an impact on the effectiveness of the vaccines currently in use,” Mohler said.

Arizona leads the country in per capita COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The Arizona Cardinals’ home, State Farm Stadium in Glendale, is now a mass vaccination site for healthcare workers, first responders, teachers, and educators.

The Arizona Department of Health Services is set to deliver at least 600 strokes a day and the stadium will be open 24 hours a day for at least the next two months.

The vaccination race takes on further urgency, with California with more than 30,000 deaths attributed to the coronavirus.

“In my 34 years, I never thought I would see something like this,” said Ken McKenzie, who runs a funeral home in Southern California. This time last year, “there would probably be two or three people that I would take care of,” he said. “Right now there are probably 40 or 50 embalmed bodies here with families awaiting closure.