NATIONWIDE – A new warning from top U.S. health officials about coronavirus variants, as a new report suggests that these mutations could lead to a “rapid rise” in COVID-19.
What you need to know
- The COVID-19 variant is more transmissible, officials say
- Dr. Anthony Fauci urges Americans to get vaccinated
- Learn more about the study here and here
Although COVID-19 cases are falling in the U.S., new CDC reports warn that COVID mutations could cause a “rapid rise” in coronavirus cases.
In a report, researchers from the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health detailed cases of the variant first identified in the UK.
Earlier data suggested that the variant, which may be more transmissible, could become the predominant variant in the United States in March, and officials urge people to take steps to reduce the spread.
“When it’s your turn to get vaccinated, get vaccinated. Not only is it good for you, your family and your community, but it will have a very significant impact on the dynamics of the outbreak in our country,” he said. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at a COVID-19 press conference at the White House.
Fauci says now it may be until May or June that all Americans have access to the vaccine.