The US again reached a record death toll from coronavirus. More than 4,300 Americans died of the virus on Tuesday. While the pace of vaccinations is increasing, with almost 1 million shots delivered on Tuesday, a possible new strain of coronavirus appeared in Ohio.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new variant that carries a mutation identical to the strain found in the United Kingdom, but was probably already present in the United States. dangerous strain of the United Kingdom was detected in 11 states.
The researchers said they also found another American strain with three other genetic mutations that had not been seen previously. The strain with three new mutations has been more prominent in Columbus in recent weeks, they said.
“Furthermore, 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 statement on Wednesday.
Peter Mohler, co-author of the study, said there is no evidence that coronavirus vaccines are less effective against new mutations.
“At this point, we have no data to believe that these mutations will have any impact on the effectiveness of the vaccines in use,” said Mohler.
Arizona leads the country in cases of COVID-19 per capita and hospitalizations. The Arizona Cardinals’ home, the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, is now a mass vaccination site for healthcare professionals, first responders, teachers and child care workers.
The Arizona Department of Health Services is prepared to administer at least 600 vaccines a day and the stadium will be open 24 hours a day for the next two months.
The race to vaccinate is gaining urgency with California having more than 30,000 deaths attributed to the coronavirus.
“In my 34 years, I never thought I would see something like this,” 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 take care of,” he said. “At the moment, there are probably 40 or 50 embalmed bodies here with families waiting to be closed.”