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SARS-CoV-2 (round yellow particles) emerging from the surface of a cell cultured in a lab.
NIAID
The delta variant now accounts for the majority of new COVID-19 cases in the five boroughs, according to data released Thursday from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The offshoot germ rose to become the city's most common variant in less than five months.
Delta makes up 69% of cases analyzed between June 27 and July 3, the most recent tranche of specimens analyzed by a citywide effort comprising New York City’s Public Health Laboratory, the Pandemic Response Laboratory, hospitals and private clinics. That’s up from 44% of tested cases the week prior. Delta became New Jersey’s predominant strain earlier this week and claimed the national title soon after Independence Day.