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A coronavirus variant that is thought to be more contagious was detected in the United States in Elbert County, Colo., not far from this testing site in Parker, Colo. The variant has been detected in several U.S. states. Image: Michael Ciaglo/Getty Images
Updated Friday Jan. 15, 7:35 p.m.
A highly contagious version of the coronavirus is rapidly spreading across the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports Friday.
The country has a short window of time to curb the spread of the new variant, scientists say. If states don t act now, by issuing new restrictions, the variant which emerged in the U.K. last fall will likely cause a big surge in cases and hospitalization by March, the agency and other scientists warn.
What Do the New Coronavirus Variants Mean for the Pandemic?
Q: What are the risks of the newly identified coronavirus variants?
A:
It’s not yet known whether mutant versions cause more severe disease, but some are likely more contagious. Scientists expect vaccines will work but are monitoring the situation.
FULL QUESTION
Subject: COVID-19 Mutation in Colorado
I know that viruses continuously mutate, but is this new mutation that was just found stateside actually more dangerous than any other mutations of the COVID-19 virus?
FULL ANSWER
On Dec. 29, Colorado officials reported the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. due to a variant of the coronavirus that emerged in the U.K. in September.
If the UK variant is about 50 per cent more contagious, as suggested by data, it will become the predominant source of all infections in the United States by March.