The US has once again set a record for coronavirus deaths. More than 4,300 Americans died from the virus on Tuesday. Although the pace of vaccinations is increasing, with nearly 1 million shots delivered Tuesday, a possible new strain of coronavirus has emerged in Ohio.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a new variant that carries a mutation identical to the strain found in the UK, but was probably already present in the US. dangerous strain of the United Kingdom has been detected in 11 states.
The researchers said they also found another American strain with three other gene mutations that were not previously seen. The strain with three new mutations was most prominent in Columbus in recent weeks, they said.
“Also, like the UK strain, mutations in the Columbus strain are likely to make the virus more infectious, making it easier for the virus to pass from person to person,” the university said in a press release. Wednesday.
Peter Mohler, co-author of the study, said there is no evidence that coronavirus vaccines will be less effective against new mutations.
“At this time, we have no data to believe that these mutations have any impact on the effectiveness of the vaccines currently in use,” Mohler said.
Arizona leads the nation in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations per capita. The home of the Arizona Cardinals, Glendale State Farm Stadium, is now a mass vaccination site for health workers, first aid workers, teachers and child care workers.
The Arizona Department of Health Services is prepared to give at least 600 shots a day and the stadium will be open all day for the next two months.
The race for vaccination is taking on additional urgency, as California has more than 30,000 deaths attributed to the coronavirus.
“In my 34 years, I never thought I would see anything like it,” said Ken McKenzie, who runs a funeral home in Southern California. This time last year, “there would probably be two or three people I would care for,” he said. “Right now, there are probably 40 or 50 embalmed bodies here with families waiting for them to close.”