The US again reached a record high for coronavirus deaths. More than 4,300 Americans died of the virus on Tuesday. As the rate of vaccinations increases, the almost 1 million shots Delivered Tuesday, a possible new coronavirus strain appeared in Ohio.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new variant that contains a mutation that is identical to the strain found in the United Kingdom but probably already present in the US. dangerous tensions from the UK was detected in 11 states.
Researchers said they also found another American strain with three other gene mutations not seen before. The tension with three new mutations has been more prominent in Columbus over the past few weeks.
“Like the British tribe, the mutations in the Columbus tribe are likely to make the virus more contagious, making it easier for the virus to pass from person to person,” the university said in a news release on Wednesday.
Peter Mohler, a co-author of the study, said there was no evidence that the vaccines against the new mutations would be less effective.
“At this stage, we have no data to believe that these mutations will have an impact on the efficacy of vaccines currently in use,” Mohler said.
Arizona leads the country in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations per capita. The home of the Arizona Cardinals, State Farm Stadium in Glendale, is now a mass vaccination site for health care workers, first responders, teachers and child care staff.
The Arizona Department of Health Services is prepared to provide at least 600 shots a day and the stadium will be open for at least 24 hours over the next two months.
The vaccination race is taking on extra urgency as California faces more than 30,000 coronavirus deaths.
“In my 34 years, I never thought I would see something like this,” said Ken McKenzie, who runs a funeral home in Southern California. This time last year there would probably be two or three people I would take care of, he said. “Right now there are probably 40 or 50 embalmed bodies with families waiting to be locked up.”