UK variant of coronavirus in US highlights need for mitigation measures, leading health experts say



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Following news of the detection of the British coronavirus strain in California and Colorado, top health experts are emphasizing the need for mitigation measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

The coronavirus B.1.1.7. The variant is said to be more transmissible than COVID-19, but it is not believed to be more virulent or resistant to vaccines and treatments.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the new strain of the coronavirus has been found in southern California. Meanwhile, after a confirmed variant case, Colorado officials are investigating a second “highly suspicious” but not yet confirmed case of a coronavirus variant potentially found in another COVID-19-positive patient.

U.S. surgeon general Jerome Adams assured Americans on Thursday that newly approved coronavirus vaccines appear to be effective against the new strain, but urged caution ahead of the New Year’s holidays.

“You should take whatever worries you have and understand that vaccines always seem to work,” Adams told ABC’s “Good Morning America” ​​co-hosts. “I discussed this with Dr Collins and Dr Fauci as recently as yesterday. But a more contagious variant means it’s more critical that we follow these basic public health measures, especially this New Year.

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Additionally, Fox News medical contributor Dr Nicole Saphier said the contagious new strain would be more difficult to control, although she noted there was already an uncontained spread of the virus.

“At the end of the day, it just means that it may be a little harder to contain this virus, but we already have an uncontrolled spread, which is why we need to continue to wear the mask, physically outrun and cheering on. people to get vaccinated, ”Saphier said. Friends First “co-hosts Thursday.

Morgan Phillips and Alexandria Hein of Fox News contributed to this report.

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