Another case of the more contagious COVID-19 variant has been found in Nassau County, as the CDC says it is likely to take off nationwide in the coming months.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that the total confirmed total of the variant is at 16, including an additional case in Nassau.
“A higher infection with the variant puts more people in the hospital, it stresses staff more,” Cuomo says. “The UK variant could make more doctors and nurses sick, which reduces staff. This is a dangerous situation we are in.”
The variant, known as B.1.1.7, infected at least 76 people in 12 states. It is estimated that it is about 50% more transferable than the more general voltage. The CDC has issued the sobering warning that the mutation could be predominant by March.
CDC models plan for the variant to see rapid growth in the coming months, which will further hamper the healthcare system.
“We are already struggling with a very large number of viruses in all of our communities,” says Dr. David Hirschwerk, Northwell Health. “Hospitalizations are at very high levels and the mortality rate is still climbing and being at very high levels. And it’s without this new variant being at least as good as we know, and that we are in a strong position at this stage. our territory is infiltrating. “
Medical experts believe that the increasing contagion of the British variant means that the US must double the mitigation methods to stop the spread of the virus.
“It’s becoming even more important that we mask, that we physically distance ourselves and avoid crowds, especially in indoor spaces,” says Hirschwerk.