As the pandemic progresses, many variations of the COVID-19 virus are appearing. Some of these variants seem to spread faster and have higher transmission rates, causing them to circulate globally. These new strains threaten to put even more strain on hospitals, and until vaccines have been distributed to all, it is recommended to maintain rigorous social distancing. However, many studies suggest the vaccine will recognize these variants, meaning we may not be at risk for another pandemic.
Of the strains traveling globally, three are present in the United States:
Variant B.1.1.7, a strain identified in the United Kingdom (UK) in the fall of 2020, has a large number of mutations that enable the virus to spread quicker compared to other variants. It has since been found in many other countries, including the US at the end of December 2020. According to the CDC, there currently are a total of 1523 cases reported from 42 states in the United States.
Variant B.1.351, a strain found in South Africa during early October 2020, is found to be similar to the B.1.1.7 variant. Although it emerged independently of B.1.1.7, the two strains share many mutations. This strand was found in the United States in late January 2021. According to the CDC, there currently are a total of 21 cases reported from 10 states in the United States.
Variant P.1, a strain found in Japan in early January 2021, was identified in travelers from Brazil during the routine screening at Haneda Airport. This strand was also found in late January 2021 in the US. According to the CDC, there currently are a total of five cases reported from four states in the United States.
Sophomore Swetha Sridaran from Poolesville High School believes the variants have the potential to be fatal considering studies have shown them to be more dangerous than our current strain. She also expressed her worries for the community. “Without herd immunity from the initial strain of coronavirus, it will be extremely difficult to recover,” Sridaran said. “Our communities have already taken such a hard hit and these variants have the potential to destroy us even more.”
Similarly, freshman Vedhika Anand from Clarksburg High School believed that these variants could pose a huge threat – potentially another pandemic – considering the minimal research we have on them. However, she also stated that we would be better equipped if it were to happen again. “I think that it might be a little easier to control because we have already been through a massive pandemic. We know what to expect and we can fight it from our past experience. Although, I still think people won’t be able to see each other and that could cause a few problems in our community,” Anand said.
These variants, with little known about them, have the potential to wreak havoc on our adjusted and somewhat recovering community and economy. As of now, the best move is to follow all pandemic guidelines: stay six feet apart, wear masks and avoid crowds.
Article by Akshya Mahadevan of Richard Montgomery High School
Graphic by Xiomara Choque of Montgomery College