Experts closely observe how the data show several variants of COVID-19 appearing throughout Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, there were 441 reported cases of the UK variant, four cases of the Brazilian variant and nine cases of the South African variant, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state lab sequences the three variants to see if they are causing a rebound in cases in Massachusetts.
“I continue to worry about the latest data and the apparent tightness we are seeing in the trajectory of the pandemic,” CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said. “The decisions we make now will determine what the pandemic will look like in the coming days and weeks.”
Experts have said the UK variant is likely to become the dominant strain in the country by mid-April.
Although a growing number of residents are getting vaccinated, Massachusetts has experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases over the past week. Currently, more than 1.1 million people are completely vaccinated, according to state data.
According to experts, vaccines are still effective against these variants.
But health experts warn that the overall level of infection in the country is still too high.
“I’m often asked, ‘Are we turning the corner?’ my answer is more like, “We’re on the corner,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden. “It remains to be seen whether or not we will turn this corner.”