I realized I hadn’t dug into the latest science on COVID to help us stay safe. Here’s what I’ve found.
The United Kingdom (UK) is struggling with a new version (mutation) of the COVID-19, known as the B117 variant. Early studies show its transmissibility is 50% greater. That’s a big deal. It means a lot more people are going to be infected and more will die. The B117 isn’t more deadly, but since it will lead to greater numbers of infections that will inevitably cause more deaths.
There’s good evidence that UK lockdowns have been far less effective with B117. It also seems to infect younger people more.
Currently the UK has a worst-in-the-world 567 cases for every 100,000 people. Canada and the US have 147 and 455 cases respectively. New Zealand: 0.7 cases.
The B117 variant has now been detected in many countries.
Masks aren’t working as well with B117 for reasons yet to be understood.
Experts are just beginning to come to grips with this but here’s what is crystal clear: we have to be super-careful until a majority of people are vaccinated.
Additional implications:
Front-line workers have be even more careful especially if they don’t have N95 masks. And wear face shields.
No in-class school openings
Stay home. Stay home. Stay home.