COVID NYC Update: New variant found circulating Tri-State area, researchers find

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — Yet another new COVID variant has been identified and this one is circulating in the NYC area, two studies have found.

It is not yet known if the variant is more contagious, deadly, or if it impacts the vaccine, but more will be learned as scientists continue to study it.

The new variant was identified separately by two research groups — one at CalTech and another at Columbia. Both published their findings ahead of a formal scientific peer review process.

So far, Columbia researchers say they have identified at least 80 cases of the new variant across the Tri-State area, indicating the variant isn’t confined to a single outbreak.

Looking back through a database of COVID genetic samples, they found traces of it dating back to November. Scientists say they’re seeing more cases of the variant now than they first did months ago, but it’s not clear yet if this variant is more transmissible.

ALSO READ | Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine works well in big ‘real world’ test in Israel

Scientists are calling the new variant B.1.526. Although it shares a mutation in common with the variants that originated in South Africa and Brazil, this variant is unique and will need to be studied further to understand its impact on transmissibility, lethality or the vaccine.

The researchers from Columbia say they are planning to step up their efforts to track this new variant by sequencing 100 samples per day.

The studies have not been vetted or published in any scientific journal, but they show the need for vaccines remain critical.

MORE NEWS: NY father-to-be killed, brother injured when gender reveal device explodes

national geographic covid newsletter sign up

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE

New York City COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker
New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker
Find out if you are eligible and where you can go to get your vaccine

Do you have coronavirus symptoms?
Where to get tested in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
WATCH: Eyewitness to a Pandemic
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus

Submit a News Tip or Question

Copyright © 2021 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Source link