Topline
While not yet widespread, a Covid-19 variant that’s shown some resistance to antibody treatments and vaccines appears to be spreading “pretty efficiently” through New York, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday.
Key Facts
Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious diseases official and a member of President Biden’s coronavirus task force, told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that the variant seems to be spreading through the New York City metropolitan area “and beyond.”
The infectious diseases expert said while not as resistant as the quick-spreading variant originating from South Africa, this New York variant eludes “some of the protection of antibodies from monoclonal antibodies, as well as the vaccine.”
Nonetheless, vaccines remain broadly effective against Covid-19 variants, including the New York strain, known as B.1.526, which originated in Manhattan in February.
“The thing you want to do is make sure that doesn’t continue to spread,” Fauci said.
Crucial Quote
Fauci said the best way to combat the variants is to vaccinate as “quickly as possible” and maintain public health measures, like mask mandates, physical distancing and the avoidance of large gatherings. “Don’t turn the switch on and off because it really would be risky to have yet again another surge,” said Fauci, commenting on states like Texas and Connecticut that have rolled back restrictions in recent days.
What To Watch For
Fauci said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be releasing guidance for individuals who have been fully vaccinated within “the next couple of days.” The CDC has stalled on releasing the guidance, as critics emphasize the urgency of the information for the over 57 million people who have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
Key Background
Experts have expressed mounting concern about the numerous Covid-19 variants sweeping the U.S. as cases plateau following a devastating winter season. Scientists have identified seven separate variants of the coronavirus that have emerged in the U.S. and appear to share a similar genetic mutation to the more contagious South African and U.K. strains (the latter of which researchers predict will soon become the U.S.’s dominant strain).
Surprising Fact
A February laboratory study suggested the South African variant may reduce antibody protection from the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine by two-thirds, while reducing the impact on neutralization of Moderna’s vaccine six-fold.
Further Reading
“New York Covid-19 Variants Are Causing Concern” (Forbes)
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March 08, 2021 at 12:16AM
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Fauci: Virus Variant That's More Resistant To Vaccine Spreading 'Efficiently' In New York - Forbes
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