Two Cases of COVID-19 UK variant identified in Bexar County
SAN ANTONIO โ The first known cases of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant have been identified in two residents of Bexar County, Metro Health officials said. The results of genetic sequencing this week showed that their infection was caused by the UK variant strain. According to studies, this UK variant does not seem to cause a more severe illness. At this time, there are very few cases caused by this UK variant in the United States. Related Stories:Health expert says San Antonio โcould be in for a world of hurtโ with COVID-19 variantsFirst case of UK COVID-19 variant confirmed in Austin-Travis County
First case of UK COVID-19 variant confirmed in Austin-Travis County
AUSTIN, Texas โ The first case of the UK variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Austin-Travis County, Austin Public Health officials said. According to a news release, the variant was discovered and confirmed through lab testing by a private local testing organization and was reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services. โWhile it is concerning that there is a confirmed COVID-19 variant in Austin-Travis County, it does not come as a surprise,โ said APH Director Stephanie Hayden-Howard. โIt is important to remember that these COVID-19 variants spread the same way, and so it is important to continue the prevention measures we have been using for almost a year. APH lab testing will detect the coronavirus, but at this time, extended lab testing is required to determine the variant strains under the coronavirus umbrella at this time.
Metro Health working to identify if new coronavirus variant has made its way to Bexar County
SAN ANTONIO โ Researchers are working on learning more about the new variant of coronavirus found in the United Kingdom. In San Antonio, the Metropolitan Health District is working to identify if the variant has made its way into our community. Dr. Anita Kurian, assistant director of Metro Health, says the only way to confirm if the mutation has made it to San Antonio is by looking at the genomic sequence, which helps identify the strain. Researchers say all viruses tend to mutate, and the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be effective against the new variant. RELATED: Vaccines, therapeutics should still be effective against new coronavirus strand, San Antonio doctor says
Africa CDC: New virus variant appears to emerge in Nigeria
South Africa is bracing for its second wave, as many people will travel across provinces for vacations and visiting their families. โItโs a separate lineage from the U.K. and South Africa,โ the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, told reporters. He said the Nigeria CDC and the African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases would analyze more samples. โWe believe this mutation will not have an effectโ on the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines to the continent, he said of the South Africa variant. Infections across the continent have risen 10.9% over the past four weeks, the Africa CDC director said, including a 52% increase in Nigeria and 40% increase in South Africa.
London faces new restrictions as city sees higher virus risk
The government is negotiating with the leaders of Manchester, Lancashire and other communities in northern England about moving into the top risk tier, which would require the closure of many businesses. The opposition Labour Partyโs spokesman on health issues, Jonathan Ashworth, described the measures as inadequate to stem the exponential growth of the virus. Hancock said discussions were continuing with Greater Manchester and Lancashire about moving those communities into the governmentโs highest risk tier. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham once again rejected government pressure to accept the higher risk rating without further financial support. โThey are willing to sacrifice jobs and businesses here to try and save them elsewhere,โณ a visibly furious Burnham said.
The Latest: Sports stars to be exempt from UK quarantine
The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:___The UK government says selected sports stars are to be exempt from quarantine requirements when competing in England. However, those involved will instead live and work in bubbled environments behind closed doors, UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden announced on Sunday. The new measures will allow Formula One, international soccer, golf and snooker events to take place. Competitors involved in these events will be granted quarantine exemptions. International cricketers are also now formally exempt, although individual special arrangements have already been made for the touring West Indies and Pakistan teams this summer.