The new variant of COVID – 19 discovered in the United Kingdom keeps the Los Angeles County health authorities in suspense, since the first case of a man who traveled to the state of Oregon and is currently isolated was confirmed.
But should we be more concerned than we already are? Dr. Ilan Shapiro, Altamed Health Services Medical Director of Wellness Education, said we do need to be concerned, and the best way to protect ourselves is by wearing a mask. “We must not forget that any virus is constantly changing, and this is the case with influenza not only with COVID,” he said.
And he observed that it can happen is that the new variant B. 1.1.7 of COVID – 19 do not do anything to us, due to genetic errors of the virus itself, but it can also be more lethal and contagious, and send us to the hospital.
In the UK, variant B.1.1.7 emerged with an unusually large number of mutations. This variant develops easier and faster than others. The good news, the Los Angeles County Health Department said in a statement, is that there is currently no evidence that the disease becomes more severe or increases the risk of death.
This variant was first detected in September 2020 and is now highly prevalent in London and south-east England. Since then it has been detected in numerous countries around the world, including the United States and Canada.
Although the Department of Public Health confirmed the first case of the UK variant in Los Angeles County, they consider that it has already spread in the community.
Sometimes, they said, new variants come and go. Other times, they emerge and persist.
The presence of the new strain in the region means that the transmission of the virus can easily occur, and residents must follow protective measures to prevent infection, hospitalizations and death. This includes wearing a mask to properly cover the nose and mouth, maintaining physical distance, and not meeting people outside of our home.
“With community broadcasting at the highest level, staying home as much as possible is the best protection.”
And they added that the same strategies used to reduce COVID – 19, will be effective in reducing the arrival of the unexpected strain.
The director of Public Health, Bárbara Ferrer said that the presence of the variant is problematic, because the health system is already severely overwhelmed with more than 7, 500 people currently hospitalized.
“ Our community is bearing the worst burden of regrowth of winter, experiencing a high number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths, 5 times more than in the summer . This variant, even more contagious, makes it easier for infections to spread in workplaces, shops and homes. ”
He recalled that we are in the middle of a health emergency. “Please do everything you can to protect yourself and those you love. If you have to work outside the home, make sure your workplace adheres to mandatory safety directives, there should be no crowding of people anywhere, they have to wear protective equipment and masks, and measures to control the infection should be fully implemented. ”
He emphasized that when you have to surround yourself with others, always keep your distance and wear a mask. “Wash your hands every hour and frequently clean the surfaces you touch, several times a day.”
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that the new variant is 50% more transmissible than the standard variety of the coronavirus. They also anticipate that for March it may be predominant.
Until 19 January, 24% of all those hospitalized for coronavirus were in intensive care. Since the pandemic began, 14, 122 deaths from COVID, the 52% have been Latino. Los Angeles County has surpassed 3 million positive cases. Which means that one in three Angelenos has fallen ill with COVID.
