Status: 02.03.2021 02:21 a.m.
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A new variant of the coronavirus is spreading in New York. Scientists are concerned, but – just like the authorities – warn against panic.
From Antje Passenheim,
ARD-Studio New York
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Mayor Bill de Blasio is clearly trying to keep things calm. He understands anyone who’s worried – since news of a variant of the corona virus made the rounds in New York. De Blasio does not judge anyone who is queasy about it.
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Antje Passenheim
ARD-Studio New York
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But the mayor also warns: “As long as it has not been proven that the vaccine serums are ineffective against this variant, we should not fear the worst.”
Little is known about the new variant
For example, that it is comparable to the South African mutation, how quickly it went through a lot of media. The fact is: there is still little clarity about this variant, which scientists have christened B.1.526. The only thing that is certain is that they exist, says epidemiologist Wafaa El-Sadr from Columbia University ARD-Studio New York.
It looks like we have a variant that is predominantly rampant in New York. But what that means exactly, we have to find out first.
The researchers first noticed the mutated virus last November. Since then it has spread rapidly – also in regions north of the metropolis. El Sadr is researching the new discovery with – as director at the University’s Epidemiological Institute. The mutation shows up on the surface of the virus – in what is known as the jagged protein, with which it attaches to the body’s cells. Such changes in the so-called spike protein basically make everyone nervous at first, says El-Sadr.
These changes can mean that the spike protein can establish itself better. Or that the virus can multiply faster. Or that the antibodies in our vaccines cannot fight it.
Health Commission warns of panic
So far, however, none of this has been proven. There are still no studies that are ready for publication, explains El-Sadr. “And even if it looks in the laboratory as if the variant makes the vaccine ineffective, that does not mean that this is also the case in real life.”
A Columbia University report said: The mutated virus has been spreading at an alarming rate since December. In the meantime, its share of the detected infections is almost 13 percent. In a few weeks, the virus researchers want to know more about the New York variant. As long as there is a lot of speculation, warns the head of the health commission Dave Chokshi.
Whether it spreads faster. Whether it makes you sick worse. Or whether it reduces the effectiveness of the vaccine – we have no evidence of that yet.
And as long as no one should spread panic prematurely.
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