The shell of a more contagious type of COVID-19
Experts are monitoring the infectious strain of the coronavirus.
ATLANTA – Health officials in Georgia say a fifth person tested positive for a variant that affects the coronavirus.
The new strain, which first appeared in the United Kingdom, is known as B.1.1.7.
Scientists say it is not more serious or deadly, but it is up to 50% more transmissible than other strains of the virus.
The variant has led to a record increase in infections and hospitalizations in the UK. In a report published by a British government’s scientific committee on Friday, there is a ‘realistic possibility’ that the new variant could be more deadly than the current virus strains.
COMPLETE CORONAVIRUS IN GEORGIA COVER
Kaiser Permanente, epidemiologist from Georgia, dr. Felipe Lobelo, says that the British variant is of concern because it has a large number of changes in the protein on the surface of the virus, which enables the virus to reach healthy cells in the upper airways. .
Because it is more transferable, says dr. Lobelo, more precaution is needed.
“If we, before we had this 15-minute window with someone who was in a high-risk situation, might now be shortened to 5 minutes again, because the virus is more contagious,” says Lobelo. ‘You must therefore double in terms of wearing a mask. If you have access to an N95, especially if you are in an indoor environment, it is a good idea to use an N95. ‘
Self-Guarantee Tips for Those Who Are Infected or at Risk of Coronavirus
Wearing face masks and not sharing personal items is the key to maintaining strong health.
Medical grade N95 masks are still in short supply and are needed by healthcare professionals.
There are alternatives, such as KN95 and KF94 masks, that can be purchased online.
If you are wearing a cloth mask, use one with two or three layers rather than one.
“And of course try to keep your distance,” says Dr. Lobelo. “Because of this tension, we know it’s here, and it’s going to lead to more infections. So, we need to double our defenses before we put in place the vaccination that’s wide enough to reduce this transmission.”
Why social distance can save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic
Social distance is not just about preventing the disease itself, but rather about slowing down the rate at which people become ill.
As of Thursday, nearly 600,000 Georgians had been vaccinated, most of whom received their first of two shots.
But because the state received only 120,000 doses per week, it was difficult to vaccinate enough people before the variant was distributed.
And, says Lobelo, hospitals in Georgia are already tense.
As of Friday, 5,300 COVID-19 patients have been hospitalized in Georgia and 92% of ICU beds are full.
“If it continues for too many weeks, we will move to a similar situation as Los Angeles, where there are crisis standards for care, where the ICUs are so full that they can not take in too many more people,” he says.
This variant is transmitted in the same way as more common strains of the virus.
Dr. Lobelo therefore recommends the same safety measures.
Wear a mask whenever you leave your home, avoid close contact and push inside settings.
WATCH: FOX 5 live news coverage in Atlanta
_____
Subscribe to FOX 5 Email Alerts
Download the FOX 5 Atlanta app for news and weather alerts.